Bedard to get third opinion on ailing shoulder
Friday, July 23, 2010 | 3:42 pm
Mariners pitcher Erik Bedard will go to New York next week and get a third opinion on the status of his left shoulder. Hold the Rodney Dangerfield jokes.
Bedard had an MRI Monday and it was reviewed by team medical director Dr. Ed Khalfayan and Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Los Angeles orthopedist who operated on the shoulder last August. The Mariners said that MRI showed continued inflammation, and that Bedard, Khalfayan and Yocum together would determine the next step.
That step will happen next week when Bedard is examined in New York by Dr. David Alchek, an orthopedic surgeon who is the New York Mets' medical director.
Why Alchek?
Bedard, Khalfayan and Yocum agreed that having a doctor who isn't familiar with his case -- a completely independent voice, if you will -- might be the best thing at this point. Alchek has never worked with Bedard and, it's hoped, will offer an opinion that won't be based on previous experience with the left-hander.
Or, as Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu joked this afternoon, "Tie-breaker."
Last Aug. 14, Yocum repaired a torn labrum in Bedard's shoulder. Bedard appeared to be recovering well with few setbacks and was scheduled to start for the Mariners July 6 against the Royals. Three days before that, he told the team after he'd pitched in the bullpen that he felt discomfort, and he hasn't been able to throw without pain since.
Bedard had an MRI Monday and it was reviewed by team medical director Dr. Ed Khalfayan and Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Los Angeles orthopedist who operated on the shoulder last August. The Mariners said that MRI showed continued inflammation, and that Bedard, Khalfayan and Yocum together would determine the next step.
That step will happen next week when Bedard is examined in New York by Dr. David Alchek, an orthopedic surgeon who is the New York Mets' medical director.
Why Alchek?
Bedard, Khalfayan and Yocum agreed that having a doctor who isn't familiar with his case -- a completely independent voice, if you will -- might be the best thing at this point. Alchek has never worked with Bedard and, it's hoped, will offer an opinion that won't be based on previous experience with the left-hander.
Or, as Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu joked this afternoon, "Tie-breaker."
Last Aug. 14, Yocum repaired a torn labrum in Bedard's shoulder. Bedard appeared to be recovering well with few setbacks and was scheduled to start for the Mariners July 6 against the Royals. Three days before that, he told the team after he'd pitched in the bullpen that he felt discomfort, and he hasn't been able to throw without pain since.
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