Percival has back surgery

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Tampa Bay Rays closer Troy Percival had back surgery this week and is expected to be ready to return to the AL champions before opening day.

The 39-year-old right-hander went 2-1 with a 4.53 ERA and a team-leading 28 saves this year, but also missed 42 games while spending three stints on the disabled list because of hamstring and knee injuries.

Percival, who had only one save after Aug. 13, also was bothered during the final months of the season by tightness in his back and was left off the postseason roster. He signed a two-year contract with the Rays last winter and is scheduled to earn $4 million in 2009.

The surgery was performed Tuesday in California. The reliever is expected to take three months to recover.

With 352 saves, Percival is eighth on the career list.

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