Mets' Dickey undergoes abdominal procedure

New York Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey had surgery Thursday in Philadelphia to repair a lower abdominal muscle tear.

Dickey tweeted Wednesday that the procedure was minor and that he expected no issues. The 38-year-old knuckleballer said he pitched with a dull pain for the final five months of the season.

He's expected to recover well in advance of the start of spring training.

Dickey is a leading candidate to win the National League Cy Young Award after his 20-win season.

The injury shouldn't impact Dickey's contract negotiations with the Mets during the offseason. The right-hander has a $5 million club option next season and could be in line for a new contract in the three-year, $40 million range based on his performance the past two seasons.