NATIONALS NOTEBOOK
Guzman Will Have Surgery, Is Out for Year
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Saturday, May 6, 2006
The Washington Nationals brought shortstop Cristian Guzman to RFK Stadium early yesterday with the intention of testing his right shoulder with infield throws and determining whether he was ready for a minor league rehab assignment in New Orleans. He never stepped on the field.
The club announced before last night's game against Pittsburgh that Guzman would undergo season-ending surgery Monday in Cincinnati. Guzman, who had yet to play this year after hitting under .200 most of last season, is expected to make a full recovery in time for spring training.
"Cristian worked extremely hard for two months around the clock to attempt to get back without surgery," General Manager Jim Bowden said. "But without even getting on the field today it was evident that we have no choice but to operate and get him ready for next year. He's been trying to get through it and kept trying to strengthen it. At times it felt okay, but it's just not there.
"He just can't do it, he physically can't do it."
Guzman, who declined pregame interview requests, had been on an extended spring training assignment in Florida since being placed on the disabled list in late March.
Bowden said the decision to pursue surgery was made now to ensure that Guzman would be ready for next season.
Guzman, 28, signed a four-year, $16.8 million contract before the 2005 season and ended up hitting .219. In Guzman's absence this year, veteran Royce Clayton has started all but two games at shortstop and entered last night with a .229 average and six RBI.
The operation to repair the torn labrum in Guzman's shoulder will be performed by Tim Kremchek, the Nationals' senior orthopedic consultant who also serves as the Reds' medical director.
"It's discouraging for him because if he could've returned to what he was capable of doing . . . we certainly would have had the type of player that we thought we were getting -- and we need," Manager Frank Robinson said. . . .
Last night's ceremonial first pitches were thrown by former Redskin Brian Mitchell and ex-Olympic softball pitcher Dot Richardson.
