Bobby Jenks

According to an industry source, Red Sox right-hander Bobby Jenks, who underwent surgery to remove bone fragments from his lower back in December, experienced some minor complications from that procedure that resulted in some fluid build-up around the spine. As a result, a second procedure proved necessary on Dec. 30. News of the second procedure was first reported by the Boston Globe.

Jenks, 30, missed most of 2011 in the first season of his two-year, $12 million deal he signed last December.Injuries limited the former White Sox closer to 19 appearances in 2011, in which he forged a 6.32 ERA while striking out 17 and walking 13 in 15 2/3 innings. In addition to multiple DL stints for his back, Jenks saw his season come to an end when it was discovered that he was suffering a pulmonary embolism, a condition whose treatment delayed his initial back surgery until December.

Now, it remains to be seen whether his availability for the start of 2012 could be impacted by this latest procedure. The source suggested that Jenks is “certainly” expected to pitch in the regular season, though his availability to pitch in spring training in preparation for the season remains to be determined. That said, like many relievers, Jenks has often waited until later in spring training to start pitching in games, having made eight or fewer appearances in each of the last three springs.

For more Red Sox coverage, visit weei.com/redsox.