Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann believes he will eventually need shoulder surgery that could sideline him for between four to five months, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution's David O'Brien:

#Braves McCann believes he'll need shoulder surgery and could miss a couple months or up to 4-5 mths.

— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) October 6, 2012

On the positive side of the spectrum, Braves GM Frank Wren actually doesn't believe that his veteran catcher will need to undergo this aforementioned surgery after the team medical staff inspected McCann:

Wren said he the team's medical staff does not believe McCann will need to undergo surgery to repair his right shoulder

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) October 6, 2012

McCann hit .230 in 2012, .039 below his career low in average, after battling shoulder and knee injuries all season long. The shoulder ailment also caused McCann to see a dip in the defensive department after he threw out only 24 percent (24 of 100) of the baserunners who tried to steal on him this season.

It's possible some extended rest might just do him some good after playing in 121 games, but it's obvious that McCann will have to do something to regain his old form.