NewsAmezaga to get left knee reevaluated
Utility man seeks second opinion from top specialist
By David Villavicencio / MLB.com
07/01/09 12:52 PM ET
MIAMI -- Alfredo Amezaga is headed back to the doctor.The utility player's bone bruise has not healed as quickly as the Marlins had hoped, so the eight-year veteran will be going to Vail, Colo., on Wednesday to meet with Dr. Richard Steadman, a renowned knee specialist, who will give a second opinion on his injured left knee.
Steadman is known for his work with Olympic skiers like Bode Miller and Picabo Street, but he has helped athletes in all sports, from basketball's Kobe Bryant to football stars Terrell Davis and John Elway to tennis legend Martina Navratilova. Steadman is also familiar with baseball players as he examined New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran's bruised knee on Tuesday.
Originally expected to miss four to six weeks, Amezaga has been out since May 17 and has yet to resume baseball activities. The versatile player says the soreness has diminished some in his left knee, but believes his ligaments are still weak. The injury and time away from the field has begun to take a toll on him mentally.
"It's been a long time," Amezaga said of his time on the disabled list. "I'm not saying that I'm having bad dreams or anything like that. The ligaments just need to heal. I just want to know what's going on."
Amezaga has had a difficult year when it comes to injuries. He was forced to leave the World Baseball Classic early after experiencing stiffness in his left knee. Earlier in Spring Training, he had trouble with his right knee as well. The infielder is not the only Marlins player on the mend.
Pitchers Kiko Calero and Anibal Sanchez are both working towards returning from shoulder problems. Calero, who has been on the DL since June 21 with right shoulder inflammation, threw off flat ground prior to Wednesday's game and said he felt great afterward. Calero hopes to rejoin the team in Arizona for its last series before the All-Star break.
The outlook on Sanchez is not as bright. The starting pitcher, who has been on the DL since June 3 with a right shoulder strain, played catch for the first time on June 20, but will likely not be able to return until after the Midsummer Classic.
David Villavicencio is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
