CHIBA (Kyodo) The Chiba Lotte Marines said Monday rookie center fielder Takashi Ogino will have knee surgery on Wednesday.
Ogino, who leads Japanese baseball with 25 stolen bases, was diagnosed with a damaged meniscus in his right knee at a Chiba hospital earlier in the day.
"It'll take a little more than a month before he can start running and two months to fully recover," Lotte manager Norifumi Nishimura said. "I believe he'll be able to return after the All-Star break."
Ogino sustained the injury when he stole second base in Friday's 6-3 win over the Yakult Swallows at Chiba Marine Stadium.
The 24-year-old has contributed to Lotte's strong run, hitting .326 in the No. 2 spot.