Chicago ? Chicago Cubs right-hander Kerry Wood will undergo season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Wednesday and hopes to be ready to pitch by spring training.

With the Cubs nearly out of playoff competition, the team wanted to give Wood as much time as possible for recovery and rehab.

Wood concurred with the decision, general manager Jim Hendry said. Wood was not immediately available for comment.

Wood, who made his first major league relief appearance Aug. 5 in a switch from the rotation to alleviate the soreness in his shoulder, was available to pitch Monday night before he is sidelined for the rest of the season.

The surgery will be performed by Dr. Timothy Kremchek at Beacon Orthopedics outside of Cincinnati.