Keppinger To Have Shoulder Surgery

CLEVELAND (AP) — Chicago White Sox infielder Jeff Keppinger will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder.

Keppinger will have the operation on Thursday in Chicago, manager Robin Ventura said before the White Sox opened a two-game series against Cleveland.

Keppinger has been playing with discomfort in his shoulder since spring training. He batted .253 with four homers and 40 RBIs in 117 games, primarily playing second and third base. Ventura said the injury affected Keppinger's throwing more than his hitting.

Ventura said the decision to have the surgery before the season ended was so Keppinger can begin a rehab program immediately and be ready for spring training. Keppinger, who signed a three-year contract in December, ends the season with a six-game hitting streak.

After batting just .202 in April, he hit .312 in August and September.

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