Righthander Kyle Gibson on Wednesday in New York underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. Twins General manager Bill Smith said that Gibson will soon begin the standard post-operative rehabilitation program following such a surgery.

Gibson will spend most of the offseason working out in Fort Myers, Fla., with an eye toward a return for the 2013 season.

Gibson was 3-8 with a 4.81 ERA in 18 starts for Class AAA Rochester this season before a MRI on his elbow revealed the damage. Gibson tried to avoid surgery through a rehabilitation program but eventually agreed to have the surgery..

Before he started to struggle at Rochester, Gibson, considered the Twins top pitching prospect, appeared to be a lock to be called up late in the season and push for a spot in the 2012 rotation.