Yadier Molina undergoes 2nd thumb surgery, in cast 4-5 weeks

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina has undergone a second operation on his injured left thumb and will be in a cast for 4-5 weeks.

The second surgery took place because Molina was still experiencing discomfort in the thumb. The first operation came in mid-October after the Cardinals were eliminated by the Chicago Cubs in the NL Division Series.

The team is hopeful the eight-time Gold Glove winner and seven-time All-Star can return by opening day. After the first procedure, they had anticipated he would be ready for spring training.

The 33-year-old Molina returned for the playoffs after injuring the thumb in Chicago on Sept. 20.