Major League Baseball

2010 MLB PLAYOFFS;McDonald played through thumb injury

Published Oct. 15, 2010 10:09 p.m. ET

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PHILADELPHIA - As if journeyman outfielder Darnell McDonald's performance wasn't a pleasant enough surprise for the Red Sox, consider this: He played most of the season with a torn ligament in his right thumb.

McDonald had surgery Wednesday to repair his ulnar collateral ligament, the Sox disclosed in a statement. The procedure was performed by Dr. Donald Sheridan in Phoenix. ''Surgery went very well, and I'll be ready to go for spring training,'' McDonald said.

After spending 12 seasons in the minors, McDonald finally got his chance in April after Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron were injured. Despite nearly being designated for assignment in May, he stuck around and got more at-bats (319) than any Sox outfielder except J.D. Drew (478). McDonald, who injured his thumb in April and was able to play through it without alerting the Sox medical staff, batted .270 with nine home runs, 18 doubles, nine stolen bases, 34 RBI and a .765 OBS.

Sox notes

Backup catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who had a similar procedure to McDonald's last month, agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, thereby avoiding salary arbitration. He will make $750,000 in the majors, $250,000 in the minors.

The Sox acquired Saltalamacchia in a July 31 trade that sent three minor leaguers to Texas. He went 3-for-19 (.158) with three doubles, one RBI, two runs and six walks in 10 games.

The Sox believe he figures into their catching picture for next season, although they still must decide whether to re-sign free agents Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek. . . .

Manager Terry Francona underwent successful knee surgery Wednesday and is doing well, according to a club spokesperson.

John Tomase contributed to this report.

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