Shoulder surgery likely ends Izturis' season

TORONTO -- Blue Jays infielder Maicer Izturis underwent surgery to repair a tear in his right shoulder earlier this week, and he's expected to miss the rest of the season.

Izturis was on a rehab assignment with Class A Advanced Dunedin on May 23 when he sustained the injury while attempting to make a diving play. While there is no timetable, it seems highly unlikely he will be able to return this year.

"Yeah, I would think so," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said when asked if Izturis will be out for the year.

The 34-year-old arrived in Spring Training as the favorite to win the starting job at second base, but he strained his groin late in camp. Since then, rookie Devon Travis established himself at second base.

The injury is yet another setback to what became a disappointing tenure for Izturis in a Blue Jays uniform. Izturis signed a three-year deal prior to the 2013 season. He struggled that year and was limited to 11 games in '14 because of a knee injury.

Izturis likely will become a free agent at the end of the year. Toronto has a club option on his deal, valued at $3 million, but it is expected Izturis will be bought out for $1 million. In 118 games with the Blue Jays, Izturis has hit .240 with a .291 on-base percentage and a .601 OPS.