Jupiter, FL – St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal will undergo reconstructive elbow surgery.
Noted sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews examined Furcal on Wednesday and will perform the Tommy John procedure some time next week.
The Cardinals did not release a timetable for Furcal's recovery, but a normal period of 6-to-8 months would likely sideline the three-time All-Star for the entire 2013 season.
Furcal suffered a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament last August and opted for rest and rehab instead of surgery in the offseason. He tried throwing early in spring training and was shut down this past weekend.
In 121 games last season, Furcal hit .264 with five homers and 49 runs batted in. He joined St. Louis at the 2011 trade deadline in a deal with the Dodgers and helped the Cardinals to the World Series title.
The 35-year-old Dominican native is a career .281 hitter with 113 homers and 585 RBI in 13 big league seasons with the Braves, Dodgers and Cardinals.
Pete Kozma, who filled in for Furcal late last season, will likely be the Cardinals' everyday shortstop for the start of the 2013 campaign.
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