JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — St. Louis shortstop Rafael Furcal returned to the Cardinals’ spring training complex for the first time since undergoing ligament replacement surgery by Dr. James Andrews last week, saying the operation went well and he is ready for rehab.

Furcal says Andrews is “happy we did this,” and confident the infielder will be ready for next year. Furcal originally injured the elbow late last season. He had hoped off-season rehabilitation would prevent the need for surgery. Furcal was never able to throw at 100 percent in camp, and after a few weeks opted for surgery.

Andrews performed the surgery in his Pensacola office. Furcal plans to rehab from the surgery in South Florida.