Cardinals’ shortstop Rafael Furcal will undergo ligament replacement surgery, (Tommy John Surgery) in his right elbow and will miss the 2013 season. The decision was made after Furcal sought a second opinion from Dr. James Andrew’s clinic in Florida.

“It’s very disappointing,” Furcal said. “I worked so hard in the offseason to get everything straight, working hard with the doctors the training team we did anything we could do to get ready for spring training, ready for the season.”

Furcal strained the elbow ligament in August keeping him out of the Cardinals’ playoff run. Surgery or rehab were the two options set forth by team doctors and Furcal chose rehab.

It may be safe to assume that the club had concerns. General Manager John Mozeiliak acquired shortstop/second baseman Ronny Cedeno.