CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Indians infielder Matt LaPorta has had surgery on his left hip.
LaPorta had the procedure on Thursday in Nashville, Tenn. The Indians said LaPorta, who spent most of last season at Triple-A Columbus, had a "debridement" of his left hip joint. LaPorta will need three to four months to recover and is expected to be unrestricted for the beginning of exhibition play.
LaPorta was called up late last season and batted .241 with one homer and five RBIs in 22 games. He has been a major disappointment since the Indians acquired in 2008 in the trade for pitcher CC Sabathia. LaPorta batted .247 in 2011 with 11 homers and 53 RBIs.
