Mitchell has surgery, out four months

Bryan Mitchell's strong spring has come to a screeching halt.

The Yankees' 26th-ranked prospect underwent surgery on his left big toe Monday, days after injuring himself during his final Spring Training appearance. After learning he'd earned a spot on the team's Opening Day roster, he'll miss at least four months.

Mitchell was injured on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves and was diagnosed with Grade 3 turf toe and a fracture of the sesamoid bone. The injury came at an inopportune time for the 24-year-old right-hander, who had a 0.57 ERA over 15 2/3 Grapefruit League innings, allowing one run on seven hits and three walks with 12 strikeouts.

"A freak injury. It's just part of it," Mitchell told MLB.com. "You just kind of have to roll with it. I can't get too down on myself. Luckily, it's not my arm, so I'll take that."

Mitchell spent most of last season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he was 5-5 with a 3.12 ERA in 15 starts. He also made 20 appearances, including a pair of starts, in New York, going 0-2 with one save and a 6.37 ERA. The 2009 16th-round Draft pick was expected to be a swingman on the Yankees staff this year.