Blue Jays' Encarnacion undergoes surgery for sports hernia

Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion dealt with more than just a sore finger during the American League Championship Series, as the 32-year-old underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a sports hernia. He is expected to be ready for spring training.

Despite battling recurring finger soreness and other minor ailments, Encarnacion hit .277/.372/.557 (153 OPS+) with 39 home runs and 31 doubles in 146 games this season - his most since 2012. The two-time All-Star also posted a career-best 4.5 wins above replacement in 2015, while joining Mike Trout as the only players to record an OPS above .900 in each of the last four seasons.

Encarnacion also made his first-ever postseason appearance earlier this month - 11 years after making his MLB debut - and posted a 1.034 OPS in the American League Division Series before stumbling in the ALCS as he battled discomfort in his finger.