Fielder has neck surgery, likely out for year

The Texas Rangers announced Tuesday that Prince Fielder underwent surgery for a cervical fusion of the C5 and C6 discs in his neck. Fielder was operated on by Dr. Drew Dossett on Tuesday at the Carrell Clinic in Dallas, and the Rangers announced that the procedure went as expected.

Fielder, who hit .247 with three home runs in his first 42 games this season, is expected to remain at the hospital overnight and will be discharged Wednesday. The five-time All-Star will undergo extensive rehabilitation as part of his recovery, and the Rangers don't expect him to play again this season.

Fielder, a .285 career hitter with 288 home runs, was acquired by the Rangers from the Tigers in exchange for second baseman Ian Kinsler in November. Prior to his neck injury, Fielder was one of the most durable players in baseball, playing in at least 161 games in each of the last five seasons.