Tuesday, Nov. 03, 2009

Blue Jays' Wells set for surgery; Encarnacion goes under knife

Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Vernon Wells will undergo surgery to repair damaged cartilage in his left wrist.

The Blue Jays didn't provide a release or date for the procedure, but the team's official website indicated Dr. Donald Sheridan will perform the surgery in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Wells broke the same wrist while making a diving catch against the Indians in May of 2008. Over a healthy 2009 season, Wells struggled to a .260 average with 15 homers, 66 runs batted in and a .311 on-base percentage over 158 games. His home run and RBI totals were the worst since 2001.

Toronto third baseman Edwin Encarnacion had a procedure done on his left wrist Friday, as hand-specialist Dr. Tom Graham shaved a large bone spur off the hamate bone.

Acquired in the trade that sent Scott Rolen to Cincinnati in late July, Encarnacion hit .225 with 13 homers, 39 RBI and a .320 on-base percentage in a combined 85 games for both teams. He missed two-plus months for the Reds early last season with a chip fracture in the same wrist.

Both are expected to be ready for the start of spring training.