NEW YORK, May 27 (UPI) -- New York Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams underwent surgery Tuesday to repair torn cartilage in his left knee.
Williams was placed on the disabled list last Thursday after an MRI revealed a sprain and tear of the medial meniscus. He had felt pain in the knee for nearly a month.
After surgery was recommended by Yankees team physician Dr. Stuart Hershon, Williams got a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, who agreed with Hershon's assessment and performed the procedure in Birmingham, Ala.
The timetable for Williams' return - originally estimated at four-to-six weeks - remains unchanged, Yankees' Manager Joe Torre said.
"He had surgery, it went well," Torre said. "We're pleased. We're still looking at four-to-six weeks."
A five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove Award winner, Williams got off to a strong start this year, batting .384 with six homers and 23 RBI in the first 22 games. But the injury clearly hampered Williams, who was hitless in 21 at-bats prior to going on the disabled list.
With first baseman Nick Johnson also on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his left hand and not expected back until late June, the Yankees have lost five straight games and 12 of their last 15 to fall 2 1/2 games behind Boston.
The losing streak is New York's longest since it dropped seven in a row at the end of the 2000 campaign. The Yankees also have lost eight straight at home.
