PHOENIX -- A doctor for Arizona first baseman Richie Sexson has recommended surgery for the slugger.
The Diamondbacks said Monday that Dr. Michael Lee determined Sexson's partially torn labrum won't be able to heal on its own this season, although there were no new injuries to his shoulder.
Lee also recommended a second opinion. Sexson is set to be
examined next Tuesday or Wednesday by Dr. James Andrews of
Birmingham, Ala.
"His season's over most likely," manager Bob Brenly said
Tuesday. "But, there's always that chance out of left field that
he could come back. Dr. Andrews is as thorough as any doctor, and
we'll get a better idea as soon as he performs the surgery."
Brewers first baseman Lyle Overbay, sent to Milwaukee in the
Sexson trade, was saddened because he knew how much the
Diamondbacks and their fans were expecting from Sexson this season.
"That is tough, for him especially just because he's never
experienced this," Overbay said. "I know that Arizona went and
got him for one reason and that's to bring a couple of home runs to
the ballpark and to be able to win that game when you're down two
or three.
"I know he must be frustrated to hear surgery's the best
option, but hopefully he's got a long career ahead of himself."
Lee said he had determined that Sexson's injury is problematic
and will continue as the season moves on.
"My recommendation is to lean toward surgical intervention to
repair the labrum and get Richie on the road to recovery sooner
than later," Lee said in a news release sent out by the team late
Monday.
Sexson would need up to six months to recover from the
operation.
Sexson reaggravated the injury on a check swing Saturday against
Florida and was placed back on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday.
He was originally hurt while checking his swing in an April 28
game, partially tearing the labrum and bruising the top of the arm
bone.