Torn thumb ligament to sideline Cardinals’ Jhonny Peralta about two months

St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Jhonny Peralta had surgery Thursday to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb and likely will be sidelined for about 10 to 12 weeks.

Manager Mike Matheny anticipated Peralta will return in a few days to the team’s spring training site in Jupiter, Florida. The surgery took place in St. Louis after Peralta got a second opinion.

The Cardinals will consult with the surgeon, Dr. Charlie Goldfarb, to find out when Peralta can return to action.

General Manager John Mozeliak said Peralta likely will be in a cast for four-to-six weeks.

Orioles sign Alvarez

The Baltimore Orioles have signed infielder Pedro Alvarez to a one-year contract worth $5.75 million. A 29-year-old power hitter, Alvarez has 131 homers in six major league seasons and was an All-Star in 2013. He hit .243 with 27 homers, 77 RBIs and 131 strikeouts last year.

Alvarez, who was not offered a contract by Pittsburgh in December, is likely to get most of his action as the Orioles’ designated hitter.

Etc.

Oakland pitcher Jarrod Parker hurt his elbow yet again, this time on the 12th pitch of a simulated game Thursday. The A’s said Parker, who came off the field in pain, suffered a lateral elbow impingement Thursday and will undergo an MRI exam. Parker had Tommy John surgery in March 2014 and was slowed by a broken elbow last year.