Arraez Focused on Getting Back to Batting-Champ Form After Thumb Surgery

Padre Luis Arraez has announced on social media that he opted for surgery to correct a torn ligament in his left thumb.

Arraez played through the injury for much of the season yet became the National League’s batting champ in spite of it.

“Despite the pain, I continued to play,” he wrote in Wednesday’s post, “but it became clear that surgery was necessary to fully recover. The procedure went smoothly, and I’m now focused on healing and getting back.”

He had the surgery five days after the Padres fell in the NL Division Series to the Dodgers.

Arraez came to the Friars in a May trade with the Marlins and hit .314 to earn his third batting title – his others came with Miami and Minnesota.

He also logged a rare accomplishment. Late in the season, with the team chasing a playoff spot, he managed to avoid striking out in 141 plate appearances, which according to MLB.com was the longest streak in 20 years.

At season’s end he told MLB that he’d like to avoid another mid-season trade and make a home with a club.

“I’ll be more strong next year,” Arraez said. “I’ll come back healthy. I’ll come back with more energy. I want to play for only one team next year.”