Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado underwent knee surgery on Monday, and the Orioles announced that his recovery time will be about six months, CSNBaltimore.com reported.
Before the surgery, his possible recovery time was estimated at 4-6 months, which meant he might be able to return for the start of the 2014 season.
However, the revised timetable makes it unlikely Machado will be available when the regular season begins.
A six-month recovery period would put his return in mid-April.
The surgery was performed to repair a torn medial patellofemoral ligament in his left knee. Dodgers orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the operation at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles.
Initially Machado had hoped to avoid surgery by resting and rehabbing the injury. But doctors told him surgery would decrease the possibility of future problems in the area.
Machado was injured while running to first base in a Sept. 23 game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Machado, 21, hit .283 with 14 home runs and 71 RBIs this season.