Nolasco undergoes ankle surgery over break

OAKLAND -- Right-hander Ricky Nolasco underwent successful surgery on his right ankle Monday during the All-Star break, Twins general manager Terry Ryan said Friday.

Nolasco, out since June 1 with a right ankle impingement and moved to the 60-day DL on July 8, had a bone fragment removed from his ankle. The operation was performed by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C. Nolasco is rehabbing with Twins assistant athletic trainer and rehab coordinator Lanning Tucker and will be fitted with a walking boot soon.

"Everything went well," Ryan said. "I think the doctor was pleased, and I think Ricky was pleased. They got that bone fragment out of there."

Ryan said it's still too early to know whether Nolasco will return this season until he's out of the walking boot, which is still weeks away.

"I can't give you a timetable," Ryan said. "I think we have to wait a little longer. He's going to be in a boot here pretty soon. I think we can gauge his timetable once he's out of that boot, but that's going to be a while here still."

The Twins initially hoped Nolasco would be able to avoid surgery, and tried several alternatives, including a cortisone shot and orthotics. But ultimately it was decided that surgery was necessary, as Nolasco was still feeling discomfort when throwing off a mound.

Nolasco is 5-1 with a 5.51 ERA in seven starts this season. He also missed nearly a month early in the season with right-elbow inflammation. Nolasco, who signed a four-year deal worth $49 million before last season, has posted a 5.40 ERA in 191 2/3 innings with the Twins over the last two years.