Braves catcher Brian McCann will have surgery on Tuesday to repair his throwing shoulder, according to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
McCann was clearly bothered by the injury this season, hitting just .230/.300/.399 in 487 plate appearances. The six-time NL All-Star was benched in the NL wild-card game in favor of backup David Ross due to his struggles. McCann is expected to be fully recovered by mid-February. Once the surgery is completed, he’ll have a more accurate timetable for his rehab.
The surgery comes at a crucial time for McCann. While the Braves are expected to pick up his $12-million option for next season, McCann is set to be a free agent after 2013. If he is able to regain his form as a top catcher, he would be in line for a huge contract.
- In other Braves news, the team is expected to pick up Tim Hudson’s $9-million option for next season, according to O'Brien. The 36-year-old pitcher had a 3.62 ERA and a 3.78 FIP in 179 innings pitched. He missed the month of April recovering from back surgery. Hudson has expressed a desire to finish his career as a Brave, but is also scheduled to become a free agent following the 2013 season.
