GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) – Brett Anderson, a projected starter in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation, will undergo back surgery and is expected to miss three-to-five months.
Anderson has a bulging disk in his lower back and was scheduled for an operation Thursday at a Phoenix hospital, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
The back condition was diagnosed Wednesday, a day after Anderson felt discomfort when throwing to batters at spring training.
“I was surprised, I was shocked,” Roberts said before the Dodgers’ exhibition opener. “We didn’t think our depth would be tested so early.”
A 28-year-old left-hander, Anderson was 10-9 with a 3.69 ERA last season. His 31 starts and 180 1/3 innings were both career highs.