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Yankees: A-Rod's Knee Surgery 'Went As Expected'; Slugger Likely Out 4-6 Weeks

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — Surgery to repair a torn meniscus in Alex Rodriguez's right knee "went as expected" on Monday, according to the Yankees. He's expected to miss four to six weeks.

The Yankees said the third baseman was operated by Dr. Lee Kaplan at the University of Miami. Kaplan will also "oversee the initial rehabilitation," the team said.

"We're going to miss him and we need to find a way," said manager Joe Girardi. "Some people are going to have to step up."

Rodriguez will likely be back in time for the final month or so of the season, when the Yankees expect to be in a race with Tampa Bay and Boston for the AL East and wild card.

"We certainly look forward to getting a healthy Alex back into our lineup," Girardi said, "because we know he adds to this team."

Before Saturday's game, Girardi revealed the injury to the leg Rodriguez uses to push off while swinging. An MRI on Friday showed a slight tear in the cartilage.

Rodriguez, who turns 36 later this month, was pulled out of Tuesday's All-Star game.

The three-time AL MVP is hitting .295 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs this season. But the slugger with 626 career home runs has not connected since June 11 and has gone 85 at-bats without a homer, his longest single-season drought.

"If you're going to have the surgery, let's get it done as soon as possible," Girardi said. "We've seen how it's kind of affected him up to this point."

Rodriguez tweaked his knee at Wrigley Field on June 19, and the tear in his meniscus has slowed him on the bases. He is batting .359 with 10 RBIs in his last 16 games, but has looked much more like a singles hitter than a power hitter.

Eduardo Nunez, who provided a spark while filling in recently for injured shortstop Derek Jeter, has an on-base percentage of .317 with eight doubles and three homers in 119 at-bats.

Rodriguez was elected by fans to start for the AL in the All-Star game in Phoenix. Boston's Kevin Youkilis has replaced him on the roster.

"It's going to be tough, because he's such a big part of our team," CC Sabathia said, "but I think this is the best thing for him and hopefully for us."

Your thoughts on A-Rod's surgery? Let us know in the comments below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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