Gary Sanchez has shoulder surgery, expected to be ready by Opening Day

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Gary Sanchez underwent surgery on his left shoulder Thursday, but the New York Yankees catcher is expected to be ready by Opening Day.

New York general manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday at the GM meetings that Sanchez would be operated on by Dr. Christopher Ahmad. The procedure is to remove loose debris from Sanchez's non-throwing shoulder. The recovery is expected to be about three months.

"His shoulder has bothered him off and on since '17," Cashman said. "He's been treated conservatively with it. He had an injection towards the end of '17. He had two in '18. He just resumed workouts and still felt a little bit lingering from it."

Sanchez was an All-Star two seasons ago but had a disappointing 2018, batting .186 with 18 homers and 53 RBIs. He was limited by a groin injury for much of the season.

Sanchez felt continued shoulder pain while working out last week at the Yankees' minor league complex in Tampa, Florida, with strength and conditioning coach Matt Krause.

"He said things are going well, but my shoulder is still cranky. It's still lingering in there," Cashman said. "So it's just enough complaints, too many over the course of a year-and-half now."