Kendrys Morales Out For Season

Added on May 12, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

Days after losing Vernon Wells for an undetermined amount of time, the Los Angeles Angels received more bad news last night. Injured first baseman Kendrys Morales, who is recovering from a broken ankle and has yet to play in 2011, will miss the season after undergoing another surgery to clean up scar tissue.

Morales fractured the ankle in May 2010, which ended his season. Despite a few setbacks during rehab, the Angels were confident he would be able to return at some point down the road. However, persistent pain and discomfort led to a meeting with an ankle specialist, who recommended a second surgery. The expected recovery time is six months.

“I knew there were going to be some issues along the way, but obviously I wasn’t ready to have surgery again,” Morales said through an interpreter. “But at this point, I think this is the best for everyone involved, to get me back at 100 percent.”

It took six screws to secure the fracture last June. It is said to be fully healed, although the trauma around the break has caused additional problems. Doctors don’t believe Morales’ career is in jeopardy, but one has to wonder how effective he’ll be once he does return.

The 27-year-old Morales enjoyed a breakout season in 2009 when he hit .306, smacked 34 home runs and drove in 108 runs. At the time of the injury, he was in the midst of another solid season. The hope was he would become a consistent fixture at first base for years to come.

The loss of Morales will leave a gaping hole in the middle of manager Mike Scioscia’s lineup. Rookie Mark Trumbo has filled in admirably thus far, batting .263 with six homers and 17 RBI. Barring a trade, Trumbo will be handed the job on a permanent basis.

From here on out, the Angels will have to find creative ways to manufacture runs. They sit atop the AL West at 21-17, 1.5 games ahead of both Oakland and Texas.

Source: ESPN.com