Michael Brantley undergoes sports hernia surgery

Cleveland Indians center fielder Michael Brantley underwent surgery today to repair a sports hernia in the left side of his abdomen, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com:

Indians CF Michael Brantley had surgery today to repair sports hernia in left side of abdomen. Recovery time: 3-6 weeks. Fine for spring.

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) October 11, 2012

The estimated recovery time for the procedure is three to six weeks, so Brantley’s 2013 season won’t be impacted.

Despite the injury, Brantley played through the end of the 2012 regular season. He posted a career-year for the Indians, hitting .288/.348/.402 with 37 doubles, four triples and six home runs over 552 at-bats. The 25-year-old stole 12 bases in 21 attempts.

This was Brantley’s fourth season at the major league level. He was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh round of the 2005 MLB Draft. Milwaukee sent Brantley to the Indians during the summer of 2008 along with Rob Bryson, Zack Johnson and Matt LaPorta in exchange for C.C. Sabathia.

Over four seasons in the majors the 25-year-old has hit .274/.329/.376.