A-Rod To Have Hip Surgery

AP Photo / Carlos Osorio

Well, this could explain a lot of things and offer a bit of a reprieve for Alex Rodriguez. Or, this could tick off many a Yankee fan: another reason why Alex can't give this team a full, productive season at third base. Whichever side of this you fall on fanatics, the bottom line is, Alex needs surgery...again.

Let's take into account one thing here: 2013 is an odd-numbered season, and with the exception of 2011, Alex excels under odd numbers (superstitious fan, here!). Also, last time he had hip surgery, he came back with a vengeance and pretty much single-handedly led the Yankees to its 27th World Series Championship, And, oh yeah, that was in 2009 (odd number!) I know, people, I'm reaching here. Guess we'll have to wait and see what the baseball Gods have in store for us. Here's the report from Bryan Hoch at yankees.com:

A-Rod needs hip surgery, may be out until June

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 12/03/12 1:35 PM ET

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Yankees are planning to begin the season without third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who is headed for surgery on his left hip and could be sidelined until May or June.

 

 Rodriguez's injury was first reported on Monday by the New York Post, and it may have been a contributing factor during his difficult postseason. Rodriguez had surgery on his right hip in 2009, costing him the first month of the season. 

 

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is traveling to the Winter Meetings, but the club issued a press release on Monday afternoon confirming that Rodriguez will undergo a left hip arthroscopy to repair a torn labrum, bone impingement and the correction of a cyst.

 

Rodriguez had a checkup during the offseason in Colorado that revealed the tear, and a second opinion with Dr. Bryan Kelly -- who will perform the surgery -- confirmed the diagnosis. The procedure is expected to require four to six months for recovery. 

 

The surgery will be performed at The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York after Rodriguez completes a four- to six-week pre-habilitation regimen, as directed by Dr. Kelly.

 

According to a source, Rodriguez felt discomfort in his right hip during Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Tigers and was sent for an MRI exam, but the examination showed no new injuries. 

 

Dr. Marc Philippon, a Vail, Colo.-based specialist, repaired Rodriguez's right hip labrum in 2009, removing an impingement in the joint and draining a cyst. 

 

At the time, it was believed that Rodriguez would have a follow-up procedure after the '09 season, but Philippon was so encouraged by Rodriguez's progress as the Yankees charged to the World Series title that he said the slugger wouldn't need the second operation. 

 

Rodriguez, who will turn 38 in June, has $114 million remaining on a mega-deal that takes him through 2017 with the Yankees. 

 

Rodriguez batted .272 with 18 home runs and 57 RBIs in 122 games for New York last season, but he endured a tough postseason that prompted manager Joe Girardi to repeatedly bench and pinch-hit for the three-time AL Most Valuable Player. 

 

The news of Rodriguez's injury presents another challenge on the left side of the infield for the Yankees, who are already hoping 38-year-old shortstop Derek Jeter will recover from left ankle surgery in time to be in the Opening Day lineup. 

 

 A third baseman was not thought to be on the Yankees' shopping list as the Winter Meetings started on Monday, with the club expected to seek a starting catcher and a right fielder.  

 

In 2009, the Yankees got through the first month of the season with journeyman Cody Ransom holding down third base, and they'll be looking for help again this year with Rodriguez potentially out for a longer period. 

 

Veteran Eric Chavez is a free agent and could not be counted on for everyday duty this past season. The Yankees may also consider having Jayson Nix or Eduardo Nunez at third base on a limited basis.  

 

The Yankees do not figure to have a replacement for Rodriguez that they could promote from the Minor Leagues, though they may look at infielders David Adams and Ronnie Mustelier in the spring.

Follow Rasheeda Cooper on twitter: @ra_cooper