Nashville, TN – New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is set to undergo surgery on his left hip, an operation that will likely keep him sidelined for the start of the 2013 season.
The Yankees said Rodriguez will need an arthroscopic procedure to repair a torn labrum and bone impingement while also correcting a cyst. It is similar, but not identical, to the right hip surgery he underwent in March 2009.
Rodriguez will first complete a 4-to-6 week pre-habilitation regimen before having the surgery some time in January. He will need 4-to-6 months of recovery from the operation, meaning he could be sidelined until June.
The injury was discovered during Rodriguez's annual November physical with Dr. Marc Philippon, who performed surgery on the right hip in 2009. Philippon will not operate on the latest injury. Instead, Dr. Bryan Kelly, who confirmed the left hip diagnosis on second opinion, will perform the procedure.
Both doctors believe the left hip injury likely contributed to Rodriguez's struggles late in the 2012 regular season and postseason.
The three-time AL MVP batted just .272 in 122 games last season with 18 homers and 57 runs batted in. In the playoffs, he had a mere three singles in 25 at- bats, forcing manager Joe Girardi to twice lift him for a pinch hitter and keep him out of the starting lineup for three games.
Rodriguez had surgery on his right hip in March 2009 and returned in May to help New York to its most recent World Series title. He was brilliant during the playoffs that October, hitting .365 with six homers and 18 RBI in 15 games.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.