Joe Crede schedules back surgery

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Minnesota Twins third baseman Joe Crede is done for the 2009 season and will undergo back surgery next week in Dallas, he said Sunday.

It will be Crede's third back surgery in as many years.

He missed three weeks while dealing with lower back pain, but struck out in all four at-bats Sept. 13 against the Oakland Athletics as he attempted to finish the season.

He had been given two epidural shots in an attempt to ease the pain but Manager Ron Gardenhire shut him down Sunday before the game against the Detroit Tigers.

"It's beyond frustrating," Crede said on the team's Web site. "At the same time, you have to keep a positive outlook and get through this. Bottom line, you just want to feel better."

After signing a free agent contract in February, Crede, 31, hit just .225 with 15 home runs and 48 RBI in 333 at-bats this season.