http://www.examiner.com/a-735891~Bla...emove_Rib.html

Blalock to Have Surgery to Remove Rib

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Texas Rangers third baseman Hank Blalock (9) tags out Los Angeles Angels' Tommy Murphy after Murphy was caught in a run down trying to score from third base on a double by teammate Chone Figgins in the third inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 14, 2007, in Arlington, Texas. Los Angeles won 7-2. HOUSTON (Map, News) - Texas Rangers third baseman Hank Blalock, who has had shoulder discomfort in recent days, will have surgery to remove a rib Monday and could be out up to three months.

Blalock missed Thursday's game against Tampa Bay, but the Rangers thought he would be available for their first interleague series this weekend against Houston.

Instead, team officials said Friday he had been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, which affects the nerves that pass through the shoulder into the neck. The surgery will remove a rib on the right side of his upper chest.

The two-time All-Star was hitting .285 with five home runs and 16 RBIs.

The Rangers didn't immediately announce a roster move.

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