Blalock's shoulder started bothering him in July. He didn't start at third base after Sept. 14 because it hurt when he threw, and his last 12 starts were as the designated hitter.

Blalock, a two-time all-star, hit .266 with 16 home runs and 89 RBIs, both career lows. He hit only .168 (16-of-95) with one homer in 23 games in September.

If all goes well in his recovery, Blalock could start throwing again in six weeks. He will do his rehab at his off-season home in San Diego.

The surgery was similar to what outfielder Brad Wilkerson had on his right shoulder in mid-August that ended his season. Wilkerson's shoulder bothered him all season.