ATLANTA -- Braves catcher Brian McCann could be ready for the first month of the 2013 season after having surgery Tuesday for an injury to his right shoulder that hampered his hitting this season.
The Braves said the surgery, performed by Braves orthopedic surgeon Dr. Xavier Duralde, arthroscopically repaired a tear in McCann's labrum. The tear was larger than was shown in a MRI.
McCann is expected to be able to return to light baseball activities in approximately four months. That schedule could have him ready for limited activity at the start of spring training.
The Braves said McCann should be able to return to full baseball activity in approximately six months if his rehabilitation goes as expected. That could have McCann receiving full clearance in April.
The team has until three days after the World Series to pick up their $12 million option for McCann in 2013.
McCann dealt with soreness in his shoulder and tendinitis in his right knee this season. The shoulder problem didn't affect his throwing but contributed to his career-low .230 batting average this season.
McCann, a career .279 hitter, had 20 homers and 67 RBIs. He did not start in the Braves' wild-card loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.
