VERO BEACH, Fla. — Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Andy LaRoche underwent surgery on his right thumb today and is expected to be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks.

Dr. Steve Shin performed the surgery in Los Angeles to repair a ligament torn during a pickoff play in Friday's game against St. Louis.

Dodgers spokesman Josh Rawitch said LaRoche had two pins placed in the thumb to secure the ligament back to the bone, and that the pins will be in place for three weeks.

Once they are removed, LaRoche will be allowed to start a range of motion and strengthening program. He was batting .350 in nine games this spring.