Nationals' Tracy requires surgery for groin injury

MIAMI (AP) Washington Nationals infielder Chad Tracy will require surgery for a torn groin muscle and is expected to be sidelined at least six weeks and perhaps longer.

Tracy, who leads the major leagues with nine pinch-hit RBIs, was hurt Saturday. A specialist in Philadelphia determined surgery was necessary after Tracy had an MRI Tuesday, and the operation will be performed Thursday.

Tracy went 6 for 18 (.333) as a pinch hitter and was batting .265 overall. On Monday he became was the 11th player to go on the disabled list for the first-place Nationals.