Cardinals' Furcal to undergo Tommy John surgery

Rafael Furcal is likely to miss the entire season after opting for Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his elbow.

Peter Kozma is expected to be the starting shortstop in 2013.

Furcal's recovery time is projected at seven to eight months, meaning he could be ready for baseball activities sometime in October.

Some question the timing of the decision. Furcal was injured in October, and had he opted for surgery immediately, he would likely have been ready to return around the All-Star break.

Kozma, 24, was a first-round pick in 2007 and has played second base, third base and shortstop.

He played in 82 games in 2012 and hit .333 (24 for 72). He struck out 19 times in 82 plate appearances.