Willingham to have season-ending surgery

Matt Sosnick told The Washington Post Willingham will undergo surgery to repair his left knee after battling pain since the all-star break.

"It's almost a certainty he's going to have season-ending surgery next week," Sosnick said. "They want him to clean it up so he can come in fresh for the season next year."

Willingham was enjoying his best season as a professional through July 4, when he was hitting .282. He had a .413 on-base percentage, a .513 slugging percentage and 15 home runs in 263 at-bats.

Since then, his production has plummeted to .232 with one homer in 107 at-bats, the Post said.

The surgery will require a 6-to-8-week rehabilitation period.

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