Albers
Albers was placed on the 15-day disabled list last Thursday after an MRI revealed the injury.
"I'm still optimistic I'll be able to pitch this year," Albers said last week. "I don't really want to have surgery. I don't think anyone really wants to."
Before making a final decision, Albers got a second opinion Wednesday from orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. The consultation confirmed Albers' intention of taking a conservative approach.
"This was the course that both our orthopedic doctor and Dr. Andrews thought was the proper course," said Andy MacPhail, the team president for baseball operations. "It's the course that Matt believes is the right course, so it's the course we take."
If Albers successfully rehabilitates the injury, he'll miss approximately two months. Surgery would keep him sidelined from eight to 10 months, so he could opt for an operation later and still be healthy in time to contribute in 2009.
"I think it's just the prudent course. You give him the opportunity to rehab and you see how it comes along," MacPhail said. "If that doesn't work, you can always go to surgery. And I think the calendar works with us to the degree that we don't necessarily have to be losing a lot of time by taking the conservative approach."
Obtained in the December trade that sent Miguel Tejada to the Houston Astros, the 25-year-old Albers has been a significant contributor to the Orioles' surprising success this season. He is 3-3 with a 3.49 ERA in 28 games, including three starts.
"The kid's really done a great job for us. He filled a very important role, not one to be underestimated," MacPhail said. "He's going to be hard for us to replace. He was a great bridge to get us from the starters to the relievers."
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