NL batting champion Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.
The Padres announced that Arraez is expected to begin an offseason hitting program in about eight weeks and should be fully recovered by the start of spring training.
In a social media update from his hospital bed, Arraez mentioned that he had the surgery “after playing through an injury for half the season.
Despite the discomfort, I kept playing, but it became clear that surgery was necessary for a full recovery. The procedure went well, and I’m now focused on healing and getting back.”
Arraez concluded the season with a .314 batting average, making him the first player since the 1800s to win batting titles with three different teams.
He previously claimed titles in 2023 with Miami and in 2022 with Minnesota, joining the Padres from the Marlins in early May. Although he was selected for the NL All-Star team, he was unable to participate due to his injury.
The Padres swept the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card Series but were eliminated in five games by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Division Series.
