Brian Roberts Out Until After All-Star Break
Added on Jun 21, 2011 by Scott in
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The concussion that has sidelined Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts for over a month will keep him out of the lineup until after the All-Star break at least. Roberts met with a head trauma specialist earlier today and it was determined he needed more time to rest his bruised brain.
Roberts last played on May 16th. On that day, he suffered the injury while sliding head-first into first base in an attempt to reach safely on an infield hit. The post-concussion headaches have yet to subside. He is scheduled for further re-evaluation in two weeks.
Thus far in 2011, he’s been limited to only 39 games. He is hitting a career worst .221 with three home runs and 19 RBI. He has never batted below .270 when participating in over 100 games. The 33-year-old has spent all eleven of his major league seasons with Baltimore and has been named to two All-Star teams.
In Roberts’ absence, the O’s have platooned Robert Andino and the recently demoted Ryan Adams at second base. Neither has been particularly effective; Adams was hitting .217 in nine games, while Andino has posted a .253 average with one homer and 6 RBI in 170 at bats.
Roberts is normally a steady and reliable leader on the field and in the clubhouse. However, a lingering back injury forced him to miss 103 games in 2010 and the May concussion is his second in the last twelve months.
His slow recovery is somewhat worrisome, but not all that uncommon in today’s sports landscape. Sidney Crosby, who sat out half the 2010-11 hockey campaign with a concussion, is just the latest high profile athlete to miss significant time regaining full health.
The seriousness of multiple concussions has finally captured the public’s attention after being largely ignored for years in both football and hockey. Rushing a player back before he’s ready can jeopardize a career, not to mention their future well-being.
The Orioles have struggled to compete in the tough AL East. They currently sit at the bottom of the division with a record of 33-37.
Source: CBSSports.com
