Surgery shows 'significant' damage in Pena's shoulder

ATLANTA -- Braves infielder Ramiro Pena underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on Thursday that revealed "significant" damage to the torn labrum in his right shoulder, and further highlighted the important utility-infielder void that will be filled by recent Triple-A callups Tyler Pastornicky and Paul Janish for the time being.

"A significant tear in the back of the shoulder, and we're looking at Spring Training [return]," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "When you operate on a shoulder, it takes that amount of time."

While Pastornicky has spent the first half of 2013 adjusting to the move from everyday shortstop to everyday second baseman at the Triple-A level, he has taken some ground balls at third base since being brought back up to the Majors. Janish has entered at third base as a defensive replacement twice since being recalled by the Braves last Friday.

"We already have been giving him some ground balls at third base," Gonzalez said of Pastornicky. "He can play short and second, and you feel comfortable. Tyler's a guy that can lead off for you, he can pinch-run. He's a winning piece. We're giving him ground balls there, but obviously [Janish] would be more comfortable playing third base."