Yankees' A-Rod undergoes hip surgery

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez underwent arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair torn cartilage in his right hip, and doctors said they found nothing that would keep him from returning to the lineup in May.

"The surgery went exactly as we planned," said Dr. Marc Philippon, who performed the 80-minute procedure at Vail Valley Surgery Center in Colorado. "No surprises."

Other options considered were a more aggressive surgery that would have sidelined Rodriguez up to four months or a conservative approach of rest and treatment.

"There is no doubt in our minds that this was the best option," Philippon said. "This was the best option for Alex and the Yankees."

General manager Brian Cashman expects the three-time AL MVP back on the field "sometime in May." Rodriguez will need a more extensive operation after the season, and Philippon said Rodriguez will "absolutely" be ready for spring training in 2010.

Ramirez money spread to 2013

Manny Ramirez's money from his new $45 million, two-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers won't be fully paid until June 2013, according to contract details obtained Monday by The Associated Press.

Ramirez gets a $25 million salary this year, but just $10 million is paid up front. The rest is due in $5 million installments each June 30 in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

His contract calls for a $20 million salary in 2010, with $5 million payable up front. He is due two installments of $3,333,333 by June 30 in 2011 and 2012, and a final payment of $8,333,333 by June 30 in 2013.

Ramirez has until the fifth day following this year's World Series or Nov. 10, whichever is later, to decide whether to void the second season of the contract and become eligible for free agency again.

Chavez rehab slowed

Eric Chavez's surgically repaired right shoulder bothered him when he was hitting over the weekend, forcing the Athletics to push back his spring debut in the field.

Chavez was scheduled to play third base against the Los Angeles Angels yesterday but was scratched, and manager Bob Geren said there was no timetable for his return.

"He experienced some pain in his shoulder yesterday, so we're going to give him a few days off even from DHing," Geren said.

Mauer plagued by back pain

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer has been hampered by back pain, hurting his rehab from offseason kidney surgery.

Mauer, the reigning American League batting champion, will undergo a magnetic resonance arthogram today. Doctors will inject the All-Star catcher's back and stomach area with dye as part of the exam.

"We've got to figure out what's going on so we can get him back and get him on the field," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "This is another effort to try to figure out where we are at and what we need to do. He's not on the field yet. He's not able to consistently go out and do anything. Concerned• Yeah."

Schmidt finally pitches for Dodgers

Jason Schmidt was finally back on the mound for the Dodgers.

Schmidt, the $47 million pitcher who has had two shoulder operations since his last start in June 2007, threw two innings in Los Angeles' 13-7 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday.

"I came out of it in one piece, so I'm pretty happy about that," said Schmidt, who was charged with three runs and two hits. "My arm feels good. Two days after usually tells the story. That's what I'll be looking forward to. I think I should come out of it OK."

Santana slated to pitch Thursday

Johan Santana tested his left elbow in another bullpen session, and the New York Mets ace is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday night against Florida at Tradition Field.

"This is a great time for him to start getting ready," New York manager Jerry Manuel said. "He could go three innings, he could go 45 (pitches). Sometimes you can get those in, but it depends, it really depends."

Santana, who has been slowed by tightness in his pitching elbow, looked sharp Monday, throwing all his pitches, including his slider.

Lester: No deal is done

Boston's Jon Lester pitched yesterday, a day after Yahoo.com reported that he had agreed to a $30 million, five-year contract extension with a $13 million club option for 2014.

Lester said there was no contract agreement pending, to his knowledge, but he would welcome the stability of a long-term deal.

"Oh yeah, I think anybody (would)," he said. "But now nothing is final and nothing is written in paper or written in stone. So, like I said, I just show up and do what I'm told and go where I'm told to go, and that's all I can worry about."

Pedro Martinez: I'm available'

In Pedro Martinez's ideal world, he will be wearing a Mets uniform this season pitching at "the new Shea."

"If they want a fifth starter, I've been there," Martinez said. "I don't know how much they want me, but I'm available. That's all I can say.

"But at the same time I'm available for every team out there."