Los Angeles Dodgers' veteran starting pitcher Dan Haren underwent arthroscopic surgery on his non-pitching (left) shoulder on Wednesday, but is expected to be ready for Spring Training 2015, according to a team announcement. The Dodgers said that Haren had the surgery to clean out bursitis in the joint where the collarbone meets the top of the shoulder. He will begin rehab in a week in preparation of returning for another MLB season.
The three-time All-Star and 34-year old was 13-11 with a 4.02 ERA in his first season with the Dodgers. He had an uneven season, as he won five of his first six starts before faltering. He finished the season strong, however, to stay over .500. The Dodgers are Haren's sixth major league team in 11 seasons. Haren has been a part of three different trades throughout his career and has performed admirably in each stop.
His career high in wins is 16, which he did in 2008 and 2011. He has also enjoyed one 15-win season and three 14 win campaigns. He has 142 career wins and 122 losses. Haren came in fifth in Cy Young award voting in 2009, going 14-10 with a 3.14 ERA and a whopping 223 strikeouts.
It is definitely important for Haren to come back healthy for a strong Dodgers team that already has ace Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu. With a healthy Haren, the Dodgers will tout one of the best starting rotations in the league.