Grady Sizemore Undergoes Knee Surgery

Grady Sizemore underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on his right knee Monday afternoon.  The “minor” procedure was performed by specialist Dr. Richard Steadman and is expected to sideline Sizemore for six to eight weeks.

Sizemore released a statement yesterday indicating that the surgery was a success.  Because the procedure was performed early in the offseason, Sizemore is expecting to be ready to go for Spring Training 2012.  A clearer time frame for Sizemore’s return to baseball related activities will develop over the first few weeks of his recovery process.

This marks the second knee operation performed on Sizemore in as many years.  The 29-year-old was forced to miss the first three weeks of the 2011 season because he was recovering from microfracture surgery in his left knee.

Once he was able to make his debut in April, Sizemore quickly wound up back on the Indians disabled list with a bruised right knee.  Sizemore sustained the injury while sliding hard into second base.  This kept him out two more weeks, but it was not the last Sizemore saw of the DL in 2011.

After remaining healthy for a month and a half, Sizemore again had to be shut down.  Cleveland anticipated the worst, as Sizemore appeared to reinjure his troublesome knee.

It was later found that his knee was OK for the time being, but the larger issue was a sports hernia.  Upon having the hernia operated on, Sizemore missed another month and a half of action.

While he was able to return this September, Sizemore only played in 10 games last month before the Indians shut him down for good.  The bone bruise that resulted in Sizemore’s first trip to the DL this season was still hampering the outfielder.  Cleveland eventually determined surgery was required.

At this point, it looks like Sizemore should be ready to go for 2012, but the question remaining is what team will he be playing for?

The Indians hold an $8.5 million team option for Sizemore and have up until three days after the World Series to determine if they’d like to exercise it or buy him out.  Cleveland isn’t tipping its hand, as general manager Chris Antonetti described the decision as a “significant issue”.

With his recent injury problems, the Indians are understandably hesitant to invest $8.5 million in Sizemore.  At the same time, when he’s healthy, Sizemore’s proven to be a very productive outfielder.

A likely result could have the Indians decline Sizemore’s option, only to turn around and renegotiate a more favorable contract with the outfielder.  If the sides fail to agree to terms, Sizemore would become a free agent this winter.

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