Pitcher Also Has a Torn Rotator Cuff
By Dave Sheinin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, February 27, 2006; E07
VIERA, Fla., Feb. 26 -- Washington Nationals right-hander Brian Lawrence had surgery Sunday to repair his torn right labrum, and during the surgery doctors also discovered that Lawrence had a torn rotator cuff, which also was repaired. The additional injury makes it more likely Lawrence will miss the entire season.
A team official described the tears as "extensive" but said the Nationals hoped Lawrence could begin throwing in 12 weeks and return to the active roster in four to eight months. He is expected to rejoin the team in Viera and begin physical therapy.
However, it often takes far longer to rehabilitate shoulder injuries such as Lawrence's. Nationals pitcher Tony Armas Jr. had a similar surgery in May 2003 and has not pitched a full season in the majors since then.
Lawrence, 29, was acquired in November in a trade with the San Diego Padres for veteran third baseman Vinny Castilla, and was expected to begin the season as the third or fourth starter.