Report: Soriano set for knee surgery

CHICAGO, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano will undergo surgery on his ailing left knee later this week, ESPN reported Sunday.

The surgery is designed to clean up some loose fragments.

The cable sports network said team officials plan to meet with both team orthopedist Dr. Stephen Gryzlo and Soriano to map out the surgery and discuss a rehabilitation period.

"I'm very disappointed," Soriano said last week when told about the need for surgery. "I'll go to the Dominican Republic after the season ends and do a lot of leg work, (and will) be ready for next season," he told ESPN Sunday.

Soriano, a far better hitter than fielder, batted a career-low .241 this season with 20 homers, 55 RBI, and 11 errors in 219 fielding chances.

The average was well under the .280 he batted in 2008.