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All-Star catcher Molina out 8-12 weeks

St. Louis Cardinals' Yadier Molina, center, is checked on by manager Mike Matheny, right, and trainer Chris Conroy after injuring his hand while sliding into third during the second inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday, July 9, 2014, in St. Louis. Molina finished the inning but was replaced in the third inning by Tony Cruz. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) St. Louis Cardinals' Yadier Molina, center, is checked on by manager Mike Matheny, right, and trainer Chris Conroy after injuring his hand while sliding into third during the second inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday, July 9, 2014, in St. Louis. Molina finished the inning but was replaced in the third inning by Tony Cruz. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

By Associated Press July 10, 2014 1 min read

ST. LOUIS (AP) – St. Louis Cardinals All-Star catcher Yadier Molina will undergo surgery Friday to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and will be sidelined eight to 12 weeks.

The Cardinals recalled catcher Audrey Perez from Triple-A Memphis before Thursday night’s game against Pittsburgh.

Molina was injured Wednesday when he planted his hand for balance after sliding feet-first into third base in the second inning. He caught another half-inning before Tony Cruz hit for him in the third.

Molina was voted to his sixth straight NL All-Star team Sunday and is a starter for the fourth time. He was hitting .287 with seven homers and 30 RBIs.