Castro expects to have normal offseason workouts

HOUSTON -- Astros catcher Jason Castro, who had surgery last week to remove a cyst in his right knee, said Friday he expects to resume all of his normal offseason workout activities a couple of weeks after the end of the regular season.

Castro didn't travel with the club on its road trip last week because of the surgery, and he hasn't played since Sept. 7 and was shut down a few days later when his knee wouldn't heal.

"The surgery went well," he said. "I have to keep it straight the next couple of weeks just to let the incisions heal. Other than that, once the healing takes place, I'll be pretty much good to go and ready to start workouts not too far after that."

This year was a breakout season for Castro, a two-time American League Player of the Week and the first Astros player to represent the AL in the All-Star Game. He hit .276 in 120 games with 35 doubles, 18 homers, 56 RBIs and a .485 slugging percentage, setting career highs in every offensive category except triples.

Castro said the doctors told him cysts shouldn't be an ongoing problem. Castro missed the entire 2011 season after having the anterior cruciate ligament repaired.

"We talked with the doctor and he removed the cyst and cleaned up some of the lingering things," Castro said. "He was pretty confident this shouldn't be something that reoccurs. That was good to hear, and hopefully the knee will continue to stay strong."