BALTIMORE (AP) -Texas Rangers closer Akinori Otsuka will seek a third opinion on his sore right elbow from noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews.
Otsuka has already been examined by Rangers team doctor Keith Meister and by Los Angeles Angels physician Lewis Yocum. Both diagnosed him with forearm tendinitis but found no structural damage to the elbow.
“We’re hoping Dr. Andrews says the same thing,” assistant general manager Thad Levine said Monday before the Rangers’ game with the Baltimore Orioles was rained out.
Otsuka hasn’t pitched since July 1. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 2.51 ERA and four saves in 34 appearances.
The Rangers had hoped he would return soon, but his rehabilitation has progressed slowly.
“He would like to get a third opinion to make sure that there is nothing that has changed,” Levine said. “We want to make sure he feels comfortable before he gets back on the mound.”
Rangers manager Ron Washington said he’s not sure whether Otsuka would pitch again this season.
“Maybe this third opinion will help him relax,” Washington said. “Maybe he will, and maybe he won’t.”
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