Atlanta Braves right-handed starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens will have knee surgery next week. An arthroscopy is supposed to repair a minor meniscus tear on his right knee he suffered about three weeks ago. According to a blog entry by Atlanta Journal Constitution beat writer David O’Brien doctors told Jurrjens that he could go by without the surgery, but he wants to do it regardless.
Jurrjens missed the final three starts of a struggling 2010 season due to the injury and also was not part of the roster during the National League Division Series loss by the Braves to the San Francisco Giants. Due to earlier arm troubles and a hamstring strain Jurrjens only made 20 starts this year, going 7-6 with an ERA of 4.64 and 86 strikeouts and 42 walks in 116 1/3 innings. There are already rumors that the Braves might consider trading him to strengthen the offense.