Braves catcher McCann has shoulder surgery

ATLANTA, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann has undergone surgery to correct a nagging shoulder injury, the team said Tuesday.

McCann, who cracked 20 homers and supplied 67 RBI over 121 games this past season, was hindered by a series of shoulder problems that contributed to a career-low .230 batting average.

The Braves said team orthopedic surgeon Dr. Xavier Duralde carried out a procedure targeting the posterior portion of the six-time all-star's shoulder.

But whether McCann would be ready to go by spring training remained uncertain.

The Braves hold a $12 million option for 2013 on the catcher, which they must exercise within three days of the end of the World Series if they intend to keep him.