TORONTO - Toronto Blue Jays centre-fielder Vernon Wells is expected to be ready for spring training after undergoing successful surgery on his left wrist, a team spokesman said Friday.
The procedure was performed Thursday and repaired some cartilage damage in his left wrist, which he broke diving to make a catch against the Indians in 2008.
Wells struggled through perhaps his worst season as a pro in 2009, batting just .260 with 15 home runs, 66 RBIs while becoming a lightning rod for disgruntled fans disappointed in his performance.
The soon-to-be 31-year-old struggled with pain in his wrist over the summer and a decision to have the operation was made when it didn't subside once the season ended.
Wells hasn't had a healthy year since batting .303 with 32 homers and 106 RBIs in 2006, after which he signed a US$126-million, seven-year contract extension that runs through 2014.
He played through a shoulder injury in 2007 and broke his wrist and suffered a groin injury in '08. He also had a thumb injury in September.
