Vizquel out for additional month with injury



The Indians shortstop may miss the rest of the season.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel has more torn cartilage in his right knee and will be sidelined for at least another month.
The nine-time Gold Glove winner underwent arthroscopic surgery on June 12 and was placed on the 15-day disabled list -- his first stay on the DL since 1994.
He was expected to miss only 3-to-4 weeks, but an MRI performed Wednesday revealed that Vizquel has another tear in his knee and he'll be out until at least the second week in August, trainer Paul Spicuzza said.
At that point, it might be wise for Vizquel, who may need more surgery, to rest his knee until next season.
Spicuzza said Vizquel's new injury is unrelated to the previous one and if he has to have another procedure it will likely end his 2003 season.
The decision whether to have another operation won't be for two more weeks, said Spicuzza.
Vizquel received treatment earlier on Thursday and had left Jacobs Field before reporters were allowed in the Indians' clubhouse.
"I know he's upset," Indians manager Eric Wedge said. "He's very frustrated."
How it happened
Vizquel initially tore cartilage in his knee while sliding into home plate on June 6 against Arizona. The 36-year-old jammed and twisted his knee awkwardly in the soft dirt at Bank One Ballpark.
Earlier this week, Vizquel began working out with the Indians and hoped to be go on a minor league rehab assignment before the All-Star break.
But following a workout at Jacobs Field on Tuesday, Vizquel said his knee didn't feel right. It was more sore on Wednesday and Vizquel went to the hospital to be examined by team doctors.
Spicuzza does not know when Vizquel sustained the new tear, but is sure it happened while during his rehab and wasn't missed by the initial MRI last month before his first surgery.
Vizquel is signed through next season with the three-time All-Star holding a mutual option with the Indians.
While Vizquel is out, Wedge said he'll use Ricky Gutierrez, Jhonny Peralta and Zach Sorensen at shortstop until utilityman John McDonald returns.
McDonald, currently on the DL with back spasms, is expected to rejoin the club next week after the All-Star break. He's expected to join the Class A Mahoning Valley Scrappers on Monday.
Vizquel, who is on the DL for the fourth time in his career, was batting .255 with two homers and 18 RBIs. Last season, he batted .275 and had career-highs with 14 homers and 72 RBIs.
However, he had his nine-year Gold Glove winning streak ended by Texas' Alex Rodriguez.

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