
According to a Red Sox team spokesperson, the surgery on a herniated disc in Tim Wakefield's back was a success. The procedure was performed at Mass. General Hospital Wednesday morning. It is assumed that if the prognosis for Wakefield's recovery remains positive -- as was predicted heading into the operation -- the Red Sox would pick up the 43-year-old's $4 million option for the 2010 season.
“Wake is someone that is in our plans and we hope makes starts for us next year and is a member of the rotation,” said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein during a press conference the day after the conclusion of the Red Sox' season. “We haven’t sat down and finalized anything. Obviously we want to see how the surgery goes and then both sides will sit down and talk.”
Wakefield has said that doctors told him that the procedure would not hinder his preparation for next season. The disc had pressed on a nerves in the 43-year-old’s back, causing weakness in his right leg. Wakefield managed to pitch four times after making the American League All-Star team, but was left off the Red Sox’ American League Division Series roster. He finished his 17th major league season going 11-5 with a 4.58 ERA in 21 starts.
Infielder Nick Green was also supposed to talk to the Red Sox' team doctors regarding whether he would need surgery to correct the slipped disc in his back which kept him out of action for the season's last few weeks.