The Indians are about to kick off the 2011 season, but they have already received a pretty sizable amount of bad news. Trevor Crowe just underwent arthroscopic surgery to fix an ailing rotator cuff in his throwing arm, and could miss as much as four months, according to Jordan Bastian at MLB.com.
At the beginning of Spring Training, Crowe attempted to begin a throwing program, but the discomfort in his shoulder hindered his progress. He was shut down and spent the majority of the preseason working through a strengthening program. Crowe also underwent right elbow surgery this past offseason.
Crowe hit .251 for the Indians in 122 games last year with two home runs and 36 RBIs. He was set to start out the season in a reserve capacity behind Grady Sizemore in center field. Matthew Pouliot of NBC Sports breaks down how this might affect his career moving forward.
If he loses the entire 2010 season, Crowe figures to have a difficult time reestablishing himself going forward. Despite his lofty pedigree — he was selected 14th overall in the 2005 draft — he hasn’t displayed anything more than a fourth-outfielder’s skill set since reaching the high minors in 2007. The Indians may decide he’s not worth carrying on the 40-man roster next winter.
This is certainly a tough time for Crowe to suffer the injury, but based on what he tweeted last night, he is trying his best to remain positive about it.
Thank you everyone for the well wishes. Always been proud to be a Cle-Indian. I'm extremely fortunate 2 rehab with best medical staff n game
Trevor Crowe
tcrowe4
We'll be covering Crowe's (hopefully quick and successful) rehab and path back to the Majors in this StoryStream.