Mark Ellis released from hospital

Hospitalized for six days after undergoing emergency leg surgery, Dodgers second baseman Mark Ellis returned home on Thursday.

Ellis injured his left leg on Friday when Tyler Greene of the St. Louis Cardinals slid into him at second base. Ellis underwent surgery the next day to drain his leg of fluid and blood.

Team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache told Manager Don Mattingly that, without treatment, Ellis was just a few hours away from losing the lower part of his leg.

A six-inch incision surgeons made in Ellis’ leg wasn’t immediately closed so it could continue to drain.

Ellis, who is expected to be sidelined for six weeks, has started performing ankle exercises.

RELATED:

Dodgers of 2012: Is something special going on?

Easy now, but James Loney is starting to hit again

Dodgers’ Wonder Boys routine finally stalls in 11-4 loss

Mark Ellis released from hospital