According to Orioles beat reporter Britt Ghiroli, Nolan Reimold will undergo surgery to repair a herniated
disk in his neck. The surgery is expected to happen on Monday and will likely mean a 2013 return for Reimold. The surgery will be a cervical fusion – similar to the one Peyton Manning underwent. As is the case with these types of procedures, there are always concerns about a player’s future, but Reimold feels confident.
"“He’s obviously responded well to it,” Reimold said of Manning, who is expected to be the Denver Broncos starting quarterback this season. “A lot of times the symptoms respond immediately and other times it takes a little bit of a while for the strength to come back.”"
Reimold was drafted by the Orioles and has played the last four season with him – although this will be his shortest season yet. The 28-year old outfielder was hitting .313/.333/.627 in 16 games this season. However, he hasn’t played since April 30th.
Twice, Reimold was rated a top-100 prospect in all of baseball. In 2006, he was rated number 99. In 2008, he was rated 91. In 246 career games, Reimold has hit .261/.338/.455. He’s hit 36 home runs in his career, but he has never been a power threat. His career OPS+ is 111.
The Orioles have been primarily using Endy Chavez in left field, but he has struggled. So far this season, Chavez is hitting .162/.193/.210 in 32 games. Chavez, though, is also on the disabled list and hasn’t played since June 12th.
Baltimore is 39-30 and just 2.5 games back of first place. They need consistent left field help if they are going to continue to compete. As it stands now, the team will be buyers come the trade deadline and they may be searching for a power bat to stick in left for the rest of the season.
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