Machado to undergo knee surgery, Chen has procedure on knee (updated)

The Orioles just sent out a series of tweets announcing that third baseman Manny Machado had decided to undergo reconstructive surgery on the medial patellofemoral ligament in his left knee. Dodgers orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache will perform the surgery Monday at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles. Doctors estimate a four-to-six month rehabilitation. "I sent my MRI results to a couple of doctors and knee specialists and we decided that in the long run and for my future as a baseball player, this surgery would be the best plan," Machado said in a statement issued by the club. "I will immediately begin the rehabilitation process in hopes of being ready for the start of spring training." Machado suffered the injury during the Orioles' final road game Sept. 23 at Tropicana Field. He had to be wheeled off the field after his knee buckled as he crossed first base. Team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens recommended rest and a rehab program, and Dr. James Andrews concurred after Machado sought a second opinion. Machado hyperextended the same knee in 2011 while running the bases at Single-A Delmarva. In his first full major league season, Machado batted .283 with 51 doubles, 14 homers and 71 RBIs. Before the injury, he hadn't missed a game since being called up on Aug. 9, 2012. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette also issued a statement. "After conferring with several doctors, Manny has elected to have surgery to repair his left knee," Duquette said. "He has the full support of the Orioles organization with this decision and we look forward to seeing him back on the field in Sarasota at full strength." The Orioles open the 2014 season March 31 at Camden Yards. Also, left-hander Wei-Yin Chen underwent successful surgery to remove small bone spurs in his right knee. The surgery was performed last week by Dr. Richard Steadman of the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo., last week. Chen, who was 7-7 with a 4.07 ERA in 23 starts, is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of spring training. He missed two months this season with a strained oblique. "Wei-Yin had a procedure done on his right knee that should prevent him from future discomfort in the knee," Duquette said. "The recovery period is three to four months, so we do not expect him to miss any time during spring training."