Lefthander Eduardo Rodriguez, who started 24 games for the Red Sox this season, underwent reconstructive surgery on his right knee Tuesday and is likely to start next season on the disabled list.
Designated hitter Hanley Ramirez also had surgery, an arthroscopic procedure on his left shoulder. The expectation is he will be ready for next season.
Dr. James Andrews operated on both Rodriguez and Ramirez at his clinic in Gulf Breeze, Fla.
That Rodriguez needed surgery was no surprise. He dislocated his right kneecap in spring training of 2016 and opened that season on the disabled list.
Rodriguez injured his knee again this season on June 1 while warming up for a game in Camden Yards. The Red Sox allowed Rodriguez to pitch and he went on the disabled list the next day. He did not return until July 17.
Rodriguez was 2-5 with a 4.72 earned run average after coming back and pitched once in the postseason, facing two batters.
The Sox hope that Rodriguez can return to the majors in April. Andrews reconstructed the medial patellofemoral ligament, a procedure that should keep the kneecap in place.
Rodriguez is likely to be in a brace for 8-12 weeks, but should be able to throw at some point in spring training.
Ramirez had a much more minor procedure to remove damaged tissue from his shoulder.
Ramirez has had shoulder issues going back to 2007 when he dislocated it. He ended the 2011 season on the disabled list with a sprained left shoulder. He also has had periodic issues with his right shoulder.
In early October, Ramirez said his left shoulder “felt great’’ and that he did not expect to have surgery.
Ramirez is a righthanded thrower, so the surgery should not interfere with his ability to play the field. Ramirez started only 17 games at first base this season.
The biggest offseason injury news is still to come. Second baseman Dustin Pedroia is weighing medical opinions on the state of his left knee and whether to have surgery for the second time in a year.
Pedroia has seen at least two specialists on his knee. If he commits to surgery, it would likely cost him much of the 2018 season. With four years remaining on his contract, that is the route some of his advisers are advocating. The alternative would be rehabilitation and developing a plan to manage his discomfort.
A decision is expected in 5-7 days. Pedroia missed 57 games this season and was on the disabled list twice because of his knee.
Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.
