Third baseman Alex Gordon may not return before the All-Star break after undergoing right hip surgery Friday to repair a labral cartilage tear.
Gordon is expected to be out 10 to 12 weeks, which means his earliest return would be late June, but it might not be before the All-Star break, which starts July 13. Dr. Marc Philippon performed the surgery in Colorado. He is the same specialist that performed hip surgery on Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez in March. "It's unfortunate, but there's not a lot we can do about it," Royals manager Trey Hillman said. "We want him to be safe and get something taken care of at the young age of 25. Hopefully, he'll never have this recur again."
Gordon, the second overall pick in the 2005 draft, injured the hip Saturday against the Yankees and left after five innings. He missed the next two games and returned to the lineup Tuesday, but went 0-for-6 and struck out four times, while still experiencing pain. Test results showed the severity of the injury.
Hillman said he plans to use Mark Teahen primarily at third base in Gordon's absence. Teahen started the season at second base, his fourth different Opening Day position in as many years.
He said on occasion he might start Teahen in right, move shortstop Mike Aviles to third and play Tony Pena Jr. at shortstop. Royals right fielder Jose Guillen is also on the disabled list with a hip injury.
ROYALS 12, RANGERS 3: Coco Crisp and Mike Jacobs each hit a three-run homer. Jacobs drove in four runs. Mark Teahen had five hits, including a solo shot, as the Royals opened a six-game trip with a victory. Gil Meche picked up the victory, going six scoreless innings and allowing six hits and two walks, while striking out six.
