Jupiter, FL (Sports Network) - 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.
The Sports Network