Cubs Give Tapani 2-Yr Extension

April 6, 1999 / 9:12 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Pitcher Kevin Tapani and the Chicago Cubs agreed Tuesday to a two-year contract extension that includes a club option for 2002.

Tapani, a 35-year-old right-hander, was 19-9 with a 4.85 ERA last season. He will make $3.5 million this season.

Since missing four months in 1997 after undergoing finger surgery, Tapani s 26-12 in 48 games. He has a 120-87 career record, spending time with the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox.

He is scheduled to make his season debut Wednesday night against the Astros.

Also Tuesday, the Cubs said 1998 NL Rookie of the Year Kerry Wood will have his torn right elbow ligament operated on Thursday by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.

Wood, the Cubs' top pitcher, tore the ligament in his first spring training game.