After a 31-point regular season and a loss to Florida in the first round last month, Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom, 34, underwent left hip resurfacing surgery on Friday, the team announced on social media Saturday.
The Miami Marlins, seven months removed from acquiring him from the Pittsburgh Pirates, won out in the salary arbitration case with Jacob Stallings on Saturday, and the catcher will earn $2.45 million this season rather than his $3.1 million request.
Before their game against the Reds in Cincinnati, veteran outfielder Lorenzo Cain, 36, was designated for assignment on Saturday by the struggling Milwaukee Brewers after posting a batting average of .179 in 145 at-bats this season.
Wizards star Bradley Beal has a player option for next season but was tight-lipped when asked about his contract situation as the start of free agency looms.