CHICAGO - Chicago Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly, who's been one of the team's most consistent starters the last three seasons, had surgery on his left shoulder and no timetable has been set for his return.

The Cubs said the arthroscopy and debridement procedure performed Tuesday by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles revealed no major damage to Lilly's shoulder. Yocum performed a washout and clean-up of the shoulder during the one-hour surgery.

Lilly, who was 12-9 with a 3.10 ERA in 27 starts this season, said he was told initially he might not be able to start throwing for four months, depending on how well his rehab progresses.

The Cubs are hoping he can join the rotation sometime in April.

Lilly, who went on the disabled list in July with inflammation in the shoulder before returning to the rotation, said he hoped rest after the season ended would help. But after a month off, surgery became the best option.