Tampa Bay Rays' Upton has shoulder surgery

Posted to: Sports

Associated Press
© November 13, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.

Tampa Bay centerfielder B.J. Upton had surgery on his left shoulder this week and the Rays expect him to be ready by Opening Day.

Dr. James Andrews did the surgery Tuesday, Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.

"We don't have too much of an update other than to say we expect him to be ready during spring training and be in a position to be in our Opening Day lineup," Friedman said during a conference call Wednesday.

Upton, a former Greenbrier Christian High standout, played much of the season with a sore shoulder - he throws right-handed - that affected his offensive production. He batted .288 with seven homers and 16 RBIs for the AL champions during the postseason.

The 24-year-old hit .273 with just nine home runs in 531 at-bats during the regular season.

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