As expected, the Giants announced last night that Freddy Sanchez will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder.
He hasn’t played since June 10, but the Giants delayed a decision on surgery because Sanchez showed that he was able to hit reasonably well through the injury. He wasn’t able to successfully throw through the pain, however, and now the goal is to have the 33-year-old second baseman healthy for spring training.
As part of an extension signed on April 1 he’s under contract for $6 million next year, but by the time Opening Day rolls around Sanchez will have missed nearly 50 percent of the Giants’ games since they acquired him from the Pirates in mid-2009. Despite all that missed time general manager Brian Sabean signed him to not one but two contract extensions since the trade.
Because the Giants knew Sanchez was unlikely to play again this season they sent a pair of minor leaguers to the Astros for Jeff Keppinger, who’s started 10 straight games at second base.
