Baseball Guru
07-11-2001, 07:29 PM
ATLANTA (AP) -- Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal returned to Atlanta on Wednesday to begin rehabilitation after season-ending shoulder surgery.
Furcal, the NL rookie of the year in 2000, underwent surgery in Birmingham, Ala., on Tuesday. Dr. James Andrews repaired the player's dislocated left shoulder.
''He will begin immediate limited therapy,'' said Braves spokesman Jim Schultz.
Furcal will need about six months to recover. The Braves expect him to be ready for spring training next season.
The 20-year-old was hurt Friday when he slid awkwardly while stealing second base against the Boston Red Sox. He injured the same shoulder last winter during a Dominican League game.
This season, Furcal was batting .275 with four homers and 30 RBIs. He also was among the league's stolen base leaders with 22.
Furcal, the NL rookie of the year in 2000, underwent surgery in Birmingham, Ala., on Tuesday. Dr. James Andrews repaired the player's dislocated left shoulder.
''He will begin immediate limited therapy,'' said Braves spokesman Jim Schultz.
Furcal will need about six months to recover. The Braves expect him to be ready for spring training next season.
The 20-year-old was hurt Friday when he slid awkwardly while stealing second base against the Boston Red Sox. He injured the same shoulder last winter during a Dominican League game.
This season, Furcal was batting .275 with four homers and 30 RBIs. He also was among the league's stolen base leaders with 22.