Grady Sizemore Out 4 to 6 Weeks

Added on Jul 22, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

Cleveland outfielder Grady Sizemore is no stranger to the disabled list which is good because that’s where he’ll be for the next 4 to 6 weeks after undergoing abdominal surgery to repair a sports hernia. The hernia, coupled with a lingering knee problem, has been bothering him for the last three months.

Sizemore hopes the surgery will enable him to return to the Indians lineup for the stretch drive in September.

“The injury, which resulted in today’s surgery, has been bothering me since the slide in May,” Sizemore said in a statement released by the team. “Knowing the two areas are related and also learning my knee condition is not serious gives me peace of mind going forward that I can finish the season healthy and help contribute to an exciting pennant chase.”

Sizemore has already missed 38 games this season due to knee and abdominal issues. He is hitting .237 with ten home runs and 29 RBI. His ‘go hard or go home’ attitude is admirable, although not conducive to staying healthy, as he is often leaping, sliding and diving all over the field.

The 28-year-old three-time All-Star has seen his once promising career derailed in recent years. After sitting out only nine games from 2005-2008, Sizemore has suffered elbow, abdominal and knee injuries that have caused him to be sidelined for more than 230 games from 2009 to 2011.

This latest ailment comes at a critical juncture for the Tribe, who are engaged in a fierce battle with Detroit for the AL Central title. The Tigers are a .5 game up, but the Indians hold the edge in the season series 4-2. The two rivals will face each other 12 times in August and September, including a three-game set to close out the regular season in Detroit.

Ezequiel Carrera is expected to get the majority of the work replacing Sizemore in center; he is batting .259 in 13 games thus far. Although, a trade could be swung considering the lack of depth in the Indians outfield.

Source: ESPN.com