(GOODYEAR, Ariz.) – More surgery for Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore. It is something Tribe fans have unfortunately gotten used to hearing over the past three years and this season the pattern will continue.

Sizemore, 29, underwent a minimally invasive lower back procedure Thursday morning in Miami, Fla. Dr. Barth Green performed a micro discectomy on Sizemore’s lower back. Recovery from such an operation is 8-12 weeks.

Sizemore will return to the club’s player development complex in the next few days for further rehabilitation.

Three weeks ago Sizemore strained his lower back while fielding ground balls in the outfield at the Indians Player Development Complex. The drill was part of Sizemore’s rehab process for his knee in preparing for the 2012 season.

Prior to his recent injury, the three-time All-Star was eyeing an Opening Day comeback April 5 in Cleveland.

Sizemore, a former Gold Glove Award winner, has spent six different stints on the disabled list in his nine seasons with the Tribe. After elbow surgery in 2009, Sizemore dealt with injuries to both his left and right knees the past two seasons. He underwent micro-fracture surgery on his left knee in 2010. Last season Sizemore also had a sports hernia.

In October of 2011 the Indians declined Sizemore’s one-year $9 million option, but brought him back to the club through free agency on November 23, 2011. Sizemore signed a one-year deal worth $5 million plus incentives.

Sizemore is the Indians all-time leader for career lead off home runs with 22. Kenny Lofton is second with 18.

One of the most famous trades in Indians history brought Sizemore to the Indians in 2002, when the Tribe traded Bartolo Colon to the Montreal Expos in exchange for Sizemore, Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips and Lee Stevens.

Last season Sizemore only appeared in 71 games hitting just .224.

Michael Brantley will shift over to center field for the injured Sizemore. Manager Manny Acta already said Brantley will be the club’s lead off hitter.

- Nick Camino