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The arthroscopic surgery New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez had on January 16 to repair a torn labrum and impingement in his left hip went, according to a subsequent statement released by the team, "as planned and without complications." While it's anticipated A-Rod will return after the All-Star break, general manager Brian Cashman did not dismiss the possibility that Rodriguez would be sidelined the entire 2013 season.

"I think, because of the serious nature of the surgery and the condition that he's trying to recover from, there is that chance," Cashman told WFAN-AM in New York on Friday. "I would say it's not going to be because Alex doesn't do everything in his power to put himself in a position to get back, and be healthy and productive. He'll do everything necessary and his part. It's just will the success of the surgery and the condition that he has recover optimally as everybody expects, but there's no guarantees in this stuff. Best-case scenario, yeah, he should be back. Worst-case scenario he won't be back or there might be something in between. These are unique circumstances and new experiences injury wise that has a very small history behind it in the last decade or so."

Dr. Bryan Kelly, who performed the procedure at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, told the Yankees he discovered less cartilage damage than expected, according to a recent report in the New York Daily News. Dr. Kelly also believes that the injury was responsible for A-Rod's .120 batting average and no RBIs during the 2012 postseason. Because of the injury, Rodriguez was unable to rotate his hips, which reduced his power at the plate.

A 14-time All-Star, Rodriguez, 37, had right hip surgery on March 9, 2009 and returned two months later, but Dr. Kelly indicated the left hip requires more recovery time because it rotates when A-Rod, a right-handed hitter, takes his swings. The veteran third baseman is due $114 million over the next five years as part of a $275 million, 10-year contract he signed in 2008.

Cashman also added that barring an unforeseen setback, Derek Jeter (ankle) will be ready, "without question," for Opening Day.

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