TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez had arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair a torn labrum in his right hip, and his projected timetable for recovery remained six to nine weeks.

Dr. Marc Philippon performed the 1-hour, 20-minute procedure at Vail Valley Surgery Center in Colorado.

"The surgery went exactly as we planned," Philippon said during a conference call. "No surprises."

Other options considered were a more aggressive surgery that would have sidelined Rodriguez up to four months and a conservative approach that would have included rest and treatment.

"There is no doubt in our minds that this was the best option," Philippon said. "This was the best option for Alex and the Yankees."

General manager Brian Cashman expects the three-time AL MVP back on the field "sometime in May." Rodriguez will need a more extensive operation after the season, and Philippon said Rodriguez will "absolutely" be ready for spring training in 2010.

Rodriguez was expected to be released from the hospital later Monday and to start his rehab. He was to perform range of motion drills and ride a stationary bike.

"Alex is doing well," Philippon said. "Over the next few days, until Friday, we will work on his range of motion. Hopefully by Friday or Sunday, we will starting working on his muscle memory and adding range of motion that involves the rotation of a batter when he swings."

Philippon said he found a small impingement and the lining of a cyst that was removed last week. The labrum was repaired.

Toronto manager Cito Gaston said the Yankees can overcome the loss of Rodriguez to start the regualar season.

"They're going to miss him, but I still think they have enough offense that they'll do fine until he comes back," Gaston said before Monday's game against the Yankees. "They will have to pitch, though. They certainly have the pitchers there that are capable of pitching well."

In other news, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera threw 30 pitches during his third bullpen session. Coming back from surgery on the AC joint in his right shoulder last Oct. 7, Rivera is scheduled to throw batting practice Wednesday and could make his spring training debut around March 17.

"I'm right on track," Rivera said. "Everything will depend on how the arm feels. So far it's been feeling good."

Rivera expects to be ready for opening day on April 6.

Designated hitter Hideki Matsui, who had left knee surgery last Sept. 22, reported no problems after playing consecutive games for the first time this spring training on Saturday and Sunday.