A-Rod gives thumbs-up after successful hip surgery

Alex Rodriguez looked positively chipper after his hip operation Wednesday and even took time out to post a photo of himself and tell his fans he was ready for rehab.

The New York Yankees third baseman underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum, bone impingement and cyst in his left hip at the Hospital for special Surgery in Manhattan.

A-Rod gave a thumbs up after the procedure and wrote on his Facebook page:

"Surgery went well. The road to recovery officially begins ... looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Rodriguez, who is expected to be out of action at least until the All-Star Game in July, added, "Thank you for all the prayers & well wishes.  I'll admit I'm a little nervous, but I'm in great hands."

In a statement released by the Yankees, the team said that the surgery "went as planned and without any complications."

The Yankees signed former Red Sox star Kevin Youkilis to fill in for A-Rod while he recovers.