Matt Harrison injury: Rangers pitcher undergoes second back operation

The southpaw felt discomfort in his leg following his first surgery, prompting a second one.

By Connor Moylan May 1, 2013, 10:00pm EDT

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Matt Harrison underwent his second back surgery in the past eight days on Wednesday. Harrison reported feeling discomfort in his left leg on Tuesday, prompting the procedure.

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The southpaw underwent another MRI Wednesday, which revealed additional herniation of the lower disk in his back that originally sent him to the DL in April. Ranger general manager Jon Daniels told the media that the additional herniation "is not uncommon."

Harrison had started a rehab program between the surgeries. Daniels reported that the surgery was successful, but would not speculate on a potential return date for the starting pitcher. The Rangers originally estimated that Harrison would be out until the All-Star break.

The injury clearly bothered Harrison to start the season, as the lefty struggled in his only two appearances this year. Harrison only threw 10.2 innings in his two starts, allowing 11 runs and walking seven batters.

Justin Grimm replaced Harrison in the team's starting rotation, and has made three starts in the veteran's absence. Grimm has pitched well for Texas so far, as he currently owns a 1.58 ERA in 17 innings. The 24 year-old righthander has looked patricularly effective in his last two starts, only allowing one run while striking out 13 hitters in 13 innings against the Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Twins. Grimm's next start is Thursday against the Chicago White Sox.