Nick Markakis To Undergo Surgery Tuesday

Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis will undergo surgery Tuesday afternoon in Sarasota to insert a plate into his broken left thumb, reports Roch Kubatko of MASN:

The Orioles just announced that Markakis' surgery will take place Tuesday in Sarasota. Markakis is done for the regular season, but the Orioles remain optimistic that he could be available if they get deep into the playoffs.

This procedure could speed up the healing process and accelerate the timetable for his return to the active roster.

The 28-year old outfielder broke his thumb when hit by a 93-mph fastball from C.C. Sabathia on Saturday. Markakis was immediately taken for X-rays and the results showed a fracture of the middle bone in his thumb. Markakis is expected to miss at least six weeks, but the inserting of the T plate could allow for a quicker return.

The Orioles hope to still be in the playoff hunt when Markakis can return, but it appears unlikely. The Birds will now have to rely on Nate McLouth and Lew Ford to man the corner outfield. Markakis was batting .298/.363/.471 with thirteen home runs in one hundred four games this season.