Alex Rodriguez Hip Surgery: Out Until June
New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (a.k.a. A-Rod) is going under the knife again and will likely be out of action for at least the first half of the 2013 baseball season.
He will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left hip to “repair a torn labrum, bone impingement and the correction of a cyst” according to the Yankees website. Before the surgery, A-Rod must complete a four-to-six week “pre-habilitation” program followed by a four-to-six month post-surgery recovery. He previously had a surgical procedure on his right hip. During the 2012 playoffs, he began having issues with that hip but it checked out okay. The left hip injury was discovered during a recent routine checkup.
The Yankees had an opportunity to part ways with A-Rod after the 2007 season pursuant to an opt-out clause in his contract. The team, however, resigned him for 10 years, and many feel this was a very bad investment in a superstar on the decline.
According to ESPN, “Rodriguez, who will turn 38 during next season, is owed $114 million on his current contract through 2017, excluding potential milestone home run bonuses.” In 2013, Rodriguez batted .272 with 18 home runs and 57 RBI in 122 games. The hip problem could have been a contributing factor in his lackluster post-season performance, the Yankees believe.
In addition to the A-Rod injury, shortstop Derek Jeter, also 38, is currently recuperating from left ankle surgery, so the Yankees will apparently “look to add some insurance for the left side of the infield,” ESPN explains.
According to MLB.com, General Manager Brian Cashman said that “we will wait for Alex. We will cushion the blow. We will shore up every aspect that we possibly can.”
Do you think the Yankees will be competitive in the American League East in 2013?
