Franklin Gutierrez Likely Lost for Season
By Editorial Staff
Franklin Gutierrez is likely to miss the remainder of the 2011 season due to an oblique injury the outfielder sustained yesterday.
During the Mariners Sunday matchup with the Oakland A’s, Gutierrez stepped to the plate in the 8th inning, already 2 for 4 on the day. On the third pitch he saw from Athletics reliever Grant Balfour, Gutierrez took a hefty swing.
Following the cut, Gutierrez immediately grabbed his left side and stepped out of the batter’s box, grimacing in pain.
Gutierrez was ultimately forced to leave the game. Following the contest, Mariners manager Eric Wedge told reporters that Gutierrez suffered a severe oblique strain and would likely be done for the year.
So it appears the swing will bring an end to Gutierrez’s disappointing season. The 28 year old didn’t make his 2011 debut until the middle of May and went on to struggle mightily through the All-Star break.
Things didn’t get much better for Gutierrez in July, as the center fielder finished the month with a meager line of .194/.236/.234.
Gutierrez showed signs of improvement in August and finished the year with a mark of .224/.261/.273. Gutierrez had only one home run and 13 doubles to go with his 19 RBI’s over 92 games played this season.
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