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Upton Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

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By TONY FABRIZIO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 12, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Rays center fielder B.J. Upton should be healthy by the start of next season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder Tuesday, team executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Wednesday.

The procedure was performed in Birmingham, Ala., by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

"Obviously, with the fact it was yesterday [Tuesday], we don't have too much of an update other than to say we expect him to be ready during spring training and be in a position to be in our opening day lineup," Friedman added.

Upton played with the tear through 2008, and his power numbers suffered until the postseason, when he hit seven home runs and drove in 16 runs in 17 games. During the regular season, the fleet Upton hit .273 with nine home runs, 67 RBI and 44 stolen bases.

Friedman said no decision has been made on whether pitcher Troy Percival will undergo surgery for his back and knee problems.

"We're still going through some tests and trying to look at different scans to come up with what we think is the best option for him - whether it's rest and rehab or whether it's surgery," he said.

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