NewsSurgery performed on Navarro, Perez
Catcher, outfielder expected to be fully ready for Spring Training
By Bill Chastain / MLB.com
11/10/09 9:22 AM EST
ST. PETERSBURG -- Catcher Dioner Navarro and outfielder Fernando Perez have had minor surgery, and each is expected to be back to full strength by Spring Training, the Rays announced.Navarro, 25, had surgery in late October to stabilize an ulnar nerve in his left elbow, and Perez, 26, had surgery earlier in the month to repair the labrum in his left shoulder.
The team's orthopedist, Dr. Koco Eaton, performed Navarro's surgery in St. Petersburg, and Dr. James Andrews performed Perez's surgery in Birmingham, Ala.
Navarro experienced a disappointing 2009 season, hitting just .218 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs, one season after he earned a spot on the American League All-Star team.
Perez's procedure was similar to the one B.J. Upton had after the 2008 season. But Upton's was in November, so it's likely the speedy outfielder won't miss the beginning of the regular season, as Upton did in 2009.
Perez missed most of the 2009 season after having surgery on his left wrist after sustaining an injury during Spring Training.
Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
