By Sheila Dwyer, Shoulder1 Staff
Right-handed pitcher Pedro Astacio of the Houston Astros will likely miss the rest of the season due to a partial tear in his right shoulder.
The 31-year-old baseball veteran was diagnosed on Monday, September 17th, with a torn labrum. Doctors originally believed the injury to be simple inflammation, but a follow-up examination by Anaheim Angels team physician Dr. Lewis Yocum revealed a torn labrum. A previous MRI revealed no structural damage.
The injury “in all probability will force Astacio to miss the remainder of the 2001 season,” according to Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker.
The Astros acquired Astacio from the Colorado Rockies prior to the July 31st trade deadline. His record was 2-1 with a 3.14 ERA in his four starts for Houston. On a team heavy with young pitchers, Astacio’s veteran status will be missed. He was acquired by Houston to increase their chance in this year’s pennant race. Houston now leads St. Louis in the NL Central division by 4 ½ games.
His doctors placed Astacio on anti-inflammatory medication after his first diagnosis.
Photo courtesy of www.mlb.com
