One of the Boston Red Sox’s most talented young stars went under the knife Thursday.
Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts “underwent successful right knee arthroscopy, chondroplasty, and a loose body removal,” the team announced Friday morning. He’s expected to make a full recovery in time for spring training, which begins Feb. 17.
Betts is the second Red Sox player to undergo knee surgery this offseason after second baseman Dustin Pedroia did so last month.
“He wanted to wait and see how (Betts) felt,” Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Friday, via the Boston Herald. “Still bothered him a bit, so, decided to have the surgery.”
Dombrowski also told the Herald that Betts’ surgery shouldn’t prevent him from participating in the 2017 World Baseball Classic if he so chooses.
Betts was one of the Major League’s best players this season, ranking second in the American League in hits (214), batting average (.318) and runs scored (122) while also notching 42 doubles, five triples, 31 home runs and 113 RBIs.
The 24-year-old already took home a Gold Glove for his work in right field this season and a Silver Slugger Award for his proficiency at the plate, and he is a finalist for the AL’s Most Valuable Player Award.
Thumbnail photo via Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports Images
