PHILADELPHIA -- Atlanta pitcher Paul Byrd will have surgery this week to remove a bone spur from the back of his right elbow on Friday. The veteran is expected to miss two to four months, and there's at least a slight possibility he could miss the entire season.

Byrd, a 17-game winner with Kansas City last year, signed with the Braves as a free agent in December. He was scheduled to make his first start of the season Thursday night at Philadelphia.

The 32-year-old Byrd has been on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right elbow since March 21. He is still experiencing discomfort after a rehab appearance with Double-A Greenville last Saturday.

The operation will be performed Friday by Dr. Craig Morgan in Wilmington, Del.

Byrd was 17-11 and pitched seven complete games in 33 starts for the Royals last year.