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May 21, 2010

The Cleveland Indians placed CF Grady Sizemore on the disabled list on Thursday. Entering last season, Sizemore was a legitimate superstar. From 2005-2008, Sizemore compiled 25.5 wins above replacement, playing at an all-star level both in the field and at the plate.

The 2009 season was a struggle for Sizemore. He still managed a .343 wOBA – well above average for a center fielder – but that mark signified a drop in both on-base percentage and slugging percentage. Combined with a UZR which fell to -4.6 – the first below average defensive season of his career – Sizemore’s WAR fell to 1.9, by far a career low for a full season.

The struggles have only been amplified in 2010. Sizemore has yet to hit a home run in 140 plate appearances, and his batting average and on-base percentage have yet to return to 2008 levels. Now, it appears that we may have an explanation for Sizemore’s struggles, at least in the 2010 season, as the deep bone bruise on his left knee that has sent him to the disabled list may require surgery to fix.

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Sizemore goes back on DL with sore knee

Center fielder hurt in hard slide; Indians recall outfielder Buck

CLEVELAND -- The Indians could only play one man short for so long. Unfortunately, that man was their star center fielder.

Cleveland placed Grady Sizemore on the 15-day disabled list on Monday, following five days of rest and rehab. Sizemore has been experiencing soreness in his right knee since suffering a deep bruise during a hard slide on Tuesday.

The Tribe recalled outfielder Travis Buck from Triple-A Columbus to fill Sizemore's spot on the roster.

Sizemore's assignment to the DL is retroactive to Wednesday, meaning he will be eligible for activation on May 26. That happens to be a scheduled off-day for Cleveland, so the center fielder could potentially be ready to rejoin the lineup for the Tribe's May 27-29 road series against Tampa Bay.

Sizemore, 28, initially injured the knee while sliding into second base during the sixth inning of Tuesday's game against the Rays. He remained in the game and indicated later that the knee felt worse as the night wore on. An MRI exam on Wednesday morning revealed no structural damage.

The Indians described Sizemore's ailment as a right knee contusion and he was considered day-to-day. Fortunate for both Sizemore and the ballclub is the fact that the current issue does not involve his left knee, which required season-ending microfracture surgery last June.

Sizemore was limited to 33 games a year ago due to that left knee injury and did not return from the disabled list until April 17 this season. In 18 games for Cleveland this year, Sizemore has looked like his old self again, hitting .282 with six home runs, 10 doubles, 11 RBIs and 15 runs scored.

Over the past five days -- Cleveland's games against Seattle on Saturday and Sunday were both postponed due to rain -- Sizemore steadily increased his activities to test the knee but when he continued to report some discomfort, the Indians elected to shelve him for the time being.

The 27-year-old Buck began the season on the Indians' Opening Day roster but was sent to Triple-A to clear room for Sizemore's return in mid-April. Buck hit .241 with two RBIs in 10 games for Cleveland. He was batting .333 with three homers and 21 RBIs in 18 games for Columbus

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I think Grady is now officially at the point where I am calling him fragile.

Still has quite a way to go before he hits Milton Bradley territory though.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain

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TFIR wrote:I think Grady is now officially at the point where I am calling him fragile.

Still has quite a way to go before he hits Milton Bradley territory though.
I'm sure that Grady has actual injuries, at least! Can't say the same about GameBoy.