How well did Yankees’ Didi Gregorius’ Tommy John surgery go?

Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius has Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Wednesday. What was the result?

At least they didn’t forget the scalpel in there?

Shortstop Didi Gregorius‘ Tommy John surgery on his right elbow “went as expected” on Wednesday, the Yankees said in a statement.

Dr. David Altchek performed the surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, the team added.

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What happened: The procedure reconstructed the ulnar collateral ligament.

Why did the injury happen: Gregorius tore the ligament beyond repair, general manager Brian Cashman said, while making a throw at Fenway Park during the American League Division Series. He reported to the team elbow pain after it happened but played through it the rest of the series, which the Red Sox won, 3-1. Gregorius had a small tear in the UCL when the Yankees acquired him from the Diamondbacks before the 2015 season.

When will Gregorius return?: That’s the golden question. Cashman and manager Aaron Boone each targeted the summer as their hopes for when the 28-year-old can get back on the field. That means that Yankees will be without Gregorius for at least half the season. Cashman said he didn’t know if summer meant June, July or August. While pitchers who have Tommy John surgery typically face 12-18 months of big-league inactivity, position players often return sooner than that.

Who will replace Gregorius in the meantime?: Another big question. Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado will be a free agent and it’s been reported that he wants to play for the Yankees. But Machado could earn as much as $300 million in his next deal and it’s unclear if the Yankees want to give him that money. Gregorius is considered the significantly better defender between the two and he hit 27 homers with a .267 batting average and 86 RBI in 2018 — so he’s not slouch at the plate. Machado would be a better fit at third base, where he’s earned two Gold Gloves, but Miguel Andujar just finished his maiden season there for the Yankees and the 23-year-old could win the AL Rookie of the Year after hitting 27 homers with 92 RBI and a .297 batting average.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.