BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS

Oakland’s Mark McGwire, sidelined most of the season because of chronic soreness in his left heel, underwent surgery in Houston in hopes the operation will alleviate the painful condition.

Foot specialist Donald Baxter performed the surgery at Baylor University Hospital. He shaved a small bone spur and repaired a partial tear of the fascia, a thin layer of connective tissue found in and around the heel muscles.

McGwire is expected to be on crutches for about a week. He will start a light rehabilitation program in three weeks and should be able to resume a normal off-season conditioning program by Jan. 1.

McGwire, 29, originally went on the disabled list May 14 with the sore heel. He missed 100 games before returning to the active roster Sept. 3, made two pinch-hitting appearances and then was out of action again when the heel pain flared anew.