V-Mart Going Under the Knife
Oh crap…our worst fears have been realized with the announcement that Victor Martinez needs a hamstring transplant.
After severely tearing the muscle in the season’s opening game, the All-Star catcher will undergo a rare procedure next week, whereby the hamstring of a cadaver will be infused into Martinez’s leg. It’s an operation that has only been successfully performed a half a dozen times, but Dr. Richard Jones, of Sisters of Mercy Hospital in Cleveland, is confident Martinez will make a full recovery.
“He’ll be able to return to regular baseball activities within three months, but will likely never regain full speed,” Dr. Jones said.
Manager Eric Wedge, while visibly shaken by the news, tried to inject some humour into an awful beginning to a season in which the Indians were expected to contend for a World Series title.
“Full speed? Have you seen Vic run down the line?”
V-Mart’s injury opens the door for Kelly Shoppach, who now looks like a great bet to enjoy a breakout season.
