CHICAGO | White Sox pitcher Jose Contreras had surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles' tendon on Monday and is expected to miss at least nine months.

Contreras left his start Saturday against the Boston Red Sox. Activated from the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day, the 36-year-old right-hander crumpled to the ground while trying to cover first base in the second inning.

He writhed in pain, clutching his ankle, and needed help to walk off the field.

Contreras, who had not pitched since July 13 because of right elbow tendinitis, was 7-6 with a 4.54 ERA. D.J. Carrasco is penciled in to take his spot in the rotation, with Lance Broadway also a possibility.

General manager Ken Williams indicated the odds of acquiring a veteran are slim.

"Getting a veteran that may slip through the waiver process may look good on paper, create a buzz for the fans and make it look like we're trying to fill the spot," he said. "If we don't really believe that that will translate into success in this ballpark -- and that's very key, in this ballpark -- then it doesn't make sense to do it.

"You're better off bringing someone that has been trained specifically in our minor league system, major league spring training, has gotten experience in the ballpark."

For more White Sox coverage, read Tuesday's edition of The Times.