Pitcher Also Has a Torn Rotator Cuff

VIERA, Fla., Feb. 26 -- Washington Nationals right-hander Brian Lawrence had surgery Sunday to repair his torn right labrum, and during the surgery doctors also discovered that Lawrence had a torn rotator cuff, which also was repaired. The additional injury makes it more likely Lawrence will miss the entire season.

A team official described the tears as "extensive" but said the Nationals hoped Lawrence could begin throwing in 12 weeks and return to the active roster in four to eight months. He is expected to rejoin the team in Viera and begin physical therapy.

However, it often takes far longer to rehabilitate shoulder injuries such as Lawrence's. Nationals pitcher Tony Armas Jr. had a similar surgery in May 2003 and has not pitched a full season in the majors since then.

Lawrence, 29, was acquired in November in a trade with the San Diego Padres for veteran third baseman Vinny Castilla, and was expected to begin the season as the third or fourth starter.

Cordero Seeks Exemption

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Nationals closer Chad Cordero has applied for a "therapeutic use exemption" for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, so that he may continue to use the inhaler he needs for his asthma. The drug in the inhaler, Albuterol, is considered a banned substance under the terms of the Olympic-style drug-testing program that will be used during the tournament.

Cordero, who has suffered from the condition for most of his life, has been going without the inhaler this spring, which has affected his ability to perform conditioning and running drills with his teammates.

Nationals team physician Bruce Thomas, who submitted the request for an exemption on Cordero's behalf, said Sunday that such exemptions are generally granted as long as the player can prove he has a legitimate medical condition.

"In Chad's case, it should be granted," Thomas said. "He's had the condition since he was, I think, six years old, and it's well documented. We have documents going all the way back to 2003, when we drafted him."

Cordero and catcher Brian Schneider will leave camp March 2 to join Team USA workouts in Scottsdale, Ariz. The U.S. team opens the competition March 7 in Scottsdale.

Patterson Gets Nod

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Pitching coach Randy St. Claire said right-hander John Patterson would start Wednesday's exhibition opener against the Kia Tigers, as the team begins to line up its pitchers for the start of the regular season. Patterson is penciled in as the number two starter behind Livan Hernandez, who will start on Opening Day, April 3, against the New York Mets.

Rain Out Rain washed away much of the Nationals' workout Sunday, limiting activities to the indoor batting cages and bullpens at Space Coast Stadium. Rain also cut short Saturday's workout. "I don't think [the players] were happy about it," Manager Frank Robinson said. "Well, maybe the catchers were."