Tim Wakefield is recovering well after undergoing surgery earlier today to repair on a herniated disk in his lower back, and he expects to be ready to pitch well ahead of spring training.

The surgery was reportedly successful, and the pitcher will be able to begin rehab immediately.

The surgery was performed today at Mass. General Hospital. Wakefield is expected to require only four to five weeks before he can start baseball activities, but he will likely take longer to make sure he is fully healed and healthy.

Wakefield was excellent in the first half of the season and went into his first career All-Star appearance at the break with an 11-3 record. The 43-year-old knuckleballer then suffered a herniated disk that limited him to only four starts in the second half of the season.

The disk problem put pressure on the sciatic nerve running down Wakefield's leg, and limited the pitcher's ability to field his position. He was placed on the disabled list after the All-Star break, and received several cortisone shots. Once he returned, starts down the stretch run were irregular, as he was slotted intermittently on seven or eight days rest to give the other starters a day off.

Despite his age and the injury, Wakefield should be in Boston's plans next season, and could start the year in the Sox rotation if all goes well.

"Wake is someone who is in our plans and we hope he makes starts for us next year as well, and is part of the rotation," said Epstein, who seemed to make it clear the club will pick up Wakefield's recurring $4-million yearly option. That decision must be made just after the World Series.

Journal Staff Writer Joe McDonald contributed to this report