Hanshin Tigers catcher Kenji Johjima, who underwent surgery on his left knee on Tuesday, will miss the start of the 2011 season, team sources said on Friday.
According to Hanshin chief trainer Tatsuzo Tsunekawa, Johjima will require six months to recover from a damaged meniscus, meaning he won't be ready for the season opener on March 25 against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
"In order to be in top shape for next season, I decided that this would be the best time to have surgery," said Johjima, who a day earlier became the first catcher to win a Golden Glove in both leagues in Japanese baseball.
"I will try my best in rehabilitation so that I can show fans I am in good spirits at the start of next season," he told reporters after he was released from an Osaka prefectural hospital on Friday.