Nationals closer MacDougal has hip surgery

Oct 13, 2009 - 9:31 PM WASHINGTON(AP) -- Washington Nationals closer Mike MacDougal had arthroscopic surgery on his right hip Tuesday and is expected to be fully recovered by spring training.

MacDougal is scheduled to begin a throwing program within about two months.

He finished 2009 with 20 saves, a 1-1 record and a 3.60 ERA for Washington.

The right-hander was released by the Chicago White Sox in April, signed to a minor league deal by the Nationals in early May and in the majors by the end of that month.