Delgado recovering from hip surgery

Former Toronto Blue Jays slugger Carlos Delgado isn't about to let hip surgery end his playing career.

The free-agent first baseman is looking forward to returning to the field and told the Puerto Rican-based El Nuevo Dia newspaper he wants to be "completely sure" he's healthy and able to continue his comeback.

Dr. Marc Philippon, who also repaired Alex Rodriguez's hip last year, successfully operated on Delgado in Vail, Colo., on Feb. 17. It was the second hip surgery in nine months for the Puerto Rico native and he's expected to be sidelined at least four months.

Delgado had the labrum reconstructed in his right hip and had a micro-fracture procedure on his hip socket.

According to his agent, David Sloane, Delgado is already riding a stationary bike and is no longer taking pain medication.

His 2009 season with the New York Mets was cut short after 26 games due to injury and subsequent arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur and labrum tear in his hip.

Prior to his latest surgery, the 37-year-old Delgado played winter ball in Puerto Rico.

Earlier this month, Sloane said Delgado had received major league offers and the Mets were interested.

In January, Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos denied the team had signed Delgado, while a major league source told MLB.com he wasn't in Toronto's plans.

The Blue Jays appear set at first base and in the designated hitter spot with Lyle Overbay, Adam Lind, Randy Ruiz and rookie Brett Wallace.

Delgado hit .271 in 159 games in 2008 with 38 home runs and 115 runs batted in.

In 2,035 regular-season games, he averaged .280 with 473 homers and 1,512 RBIs.