General manager Dan O’Dowd on Wednesday labeled a Feb. 19 surgery deadline set by former ace Jeff Francis as “premature.”
Francis’ agent Jim Lindell told ESPN.com that the left-hander will decide by that date whether to have potentially season-ending exploratory surgery on his shoulder, which hasn’t responded favorably to rest and a cortisone shot.
“We all know at some point and time, whether it’s Feb. 19 or not, that we will need to make a decision (on surgery),” O’Dowd said. “But I think it’s premature. I have been around a lot of players in my career, where they break through scar tissue, and they are fine. Surgery is always the last option.”
Francis continues throwing and plans to face hitters in Tucson before determining his next step.
Iannetta assured place.
One day after manager Clint Hurdle questioned whether catcher Chris Iannetta would get enough at-bats to be ready for the season, the executive director for USA Baseball painted a more optimistic picture.
Paul Seiler said Iannetta will be on the final 26-man roster along with Atlanta’s Brian McCann as the catching tandem when Team USA opens camp in Florida. Iannetta confirmed the information.
“It’s mandatory now you only have two catchers, so it will serve both guys well,” Seiler said. “There is going to be at-bats for everybody so they will be ready for the season.”
Murton adds depth.
Matt Murton was acquired from the A’s for Double-A infielder Corey Wimberly to add a right-handed bat to an outfield full of left-handed hitters.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
