News
Black says surgery unlikely for Young
Righty has missed 46 games due to strained shoulder
By Amy Brittain / MLB.com
08/04/09 10:54 PM ET
SAN DIEGO -- It's a word that Padres manager Bud Black doesn't want to hear, discuss or even consider unless necessary."I haven't heard that word," Black said.
The word is "surgery," and it was mentioned Tuesday in regard to Padres pitcher Chris Young, who has missed 46 games this season with a strained right shoulder.
The Padres moved Young to the 60-day disabled list on Friday. Young originally went on the 15-day disabled list on June 19, retroactive to June 15.
Black said surgery remains doubtful at this point, but he didn't rule out the possibility that Young could undergo an exploratory procedure.
"Structurally, the rotator cuff looks good, the labrum looks good," Black said. "All of the things that you look for in the shoulder that you look for from a medical standpoint are in place."
"He's got some impingement, he's got some bursitis. I think if you go in there surgically, you can do some things to alleviate that."
Young last pitched June 14 at Anaheim, tossing just 2 1/3 innings and allowing five runs on four hits.
"If the pain persists and they can't find a reason why, then curiosity comes into play and a simple arthroscopy in this day and age is pretty [non-invasive]," Black said. "But I don't even like those things to be talked about until the doctor says, 'Hey, let's go do this.'"
Young (4-6) has a 5.21 ERA this season, having pitched 76 innings in 14 starts.
Amy Brittain is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
