Cleveland, OH (My Sportsbook) - Cleveland Indians second baseman Ricky Gutierrez underwent successful surgery on his neck and doctors are optimistic that he will be able to play again. The procedure, which took place Monday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, cleared tissues that were putting pressure on Gutierrez' spinal canal. According to Paddy Jarit, the Indians' director of medical services, Gutierrez will wear a neck brace for six weeks and begin an "aggressive" therapy program in three months. If all goes according to plan, he should be healthy enough to take part in spring training. Gutierrez said he hurt his neck early in the season and tried to play through the pain. However, he complained of discomfort on August 19 and the club placed him on the disabled list for the remainder of the season. Gutierrez inked a three-year, $11 million contract in December. In 94 games this year, he batted .275 with four home runs and 38 RBI. |
