Glavine's partially torn tendon in his elbow was repaired by Dr. James Andrews, who also cleaned up Glavine's shoulder. The Braves said the 42-year-old left-hander should be able to start a throwing program by January.

"We were pleased by the report that there was not a significant injury to the elbow or shoulder that would prevent Tom from pitching in the future," Atlanta general manager Frank Wren said in a statement.

Glavine isn't under contract for next season and only wants to pitch for Atlanta, close to his home and family. He had said he'd retire if he needed elbow ligament replacement surgery because the "Tommy John" procedure often requires at least a year of rehab.

Glavine spent the first 16 seasons of his career with the Braves, winning the World Series-clinching Game 6 against Cleveland in 1995 and the NL Cy Young Award in 1991 and '98. He also won 20 games or more five times.

He pitched for the Mets from 2003-07 and earned his 300th win with New York last year before returning to Atlanta this season. He turned down a $13 million option with the Mets to sign an $8 million deal with the Braves for 2008. He kept his offseason home in Atlanta while he was with the Mets.

Glavine gave up seven runs in four innings last Thursday in an 11-7 loss to the Chicago Cubs, his first start since spending two months on the disabled list. He is 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA in 13 starts this season and 305-203 in his career.