Oct. 02--Second baseman Micah Johnson underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Thursday at Rush University Medical Center, the Sox announced.
Johnson had scar tissue removed during the procedure, but the knee otherwise was revealed to be structurally sound. The Sox expect Johnson to return for spring training without restrictions.
Johnson has been bothered on and off by hamstring and knee issues the last two seasons, a potential concern for a player touted for his speed. But manager Robin Ventura said the report was as promising as could be.
"It was the best news we could get," Ventura said. "It wasn't very substantial. ... For his confidence of going forward, you take care of it, and now he can just go and play and not have that in the back of his mind."
Johnson, the team's opening-day second baseman, hit .230 with 10 runs scored and three stolen bases in 36 games in 2015. He spent much of the season in Triple-A Charlotte working on his defense and baserunning. The Sox hoped to see those improvements on the field this month, but Johnson played in just nine games.
"He wanted to play," Ventura said. "I know he was reluctant to say what he felt, but you don't want to have it potentially turn into something bigger."
Johnson tweeted a photo of himself on a couch playing video games Thursday afternoon.
"Successful surgery, chillin, playing FIFA now until can go back to work," he wrote.
