Reds’ Ludwick eyes surgery

CINCINNATI — Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick tore cartilage in his right shoulder while sliding into third base during the season opener and will need surgery, leaving the defending National League Central champions without one of their main run producers for an undetermined period.

Ludwick, a Durango High School and UNLV product, dislocated his right shoulder on a head-first slide in the third inning of Cincinnati’s 3-1, 13-inning loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. He said the shoulder popped out when his hand caught on the dirt.

An MRI on Tuesday found the torn cartilage. He’ll have surgery today. The Reds plan to put him on the 15-day disabled list and replace him on the roster before the second game of their series against the Angels.

It’s a significant setback for the Reds, who relied on Ludwick’s right-handed hitting to balance left-handers Joey Votto and Jay Bruce in the middle of the lineup. Ludwick batted cleanup, between Votto and Bruce.