Hairston facing hip surgery, season over

It has been a bad week all around for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Not only did they get swept by the San Francisco Giants, falling 2.5 games out in the National League West. They also got news that Jerry Hairston Jr. will undergo left hip surgery and is out for the rest of the season.

On August 11 Hairston aggravated the injury that he said had bothered him for the last three months. Two days later he was placed on the disabled list with left hip inflammation, and after a week of treatment showed no improvement he opted for surgery.

Hairston, 36, hit .273 in 78 games for the Dodgers this season with 13 doubles and four home runs. He was an invaluable reserve and semi-regular, starting games at third base, second base, and left field. He even played shortstop and first base for a few innings.

The loss of Hairston diminishes the Dodgers' flexibility, especially because they are playing with a four-man bench. Though that will change by Sept. 1 when rosters expand.

Hairston's surgery hasn't yet been scheduled but is likely to take place in the next two weeks. The expected recovery time is four to six months, which at worst could keep him from the start of spring training next season.

Hairston signed a two-year contract before this season, and he is under contract for $3.75 million in 2013.