NewsArroyo decides against offseason surgery
Reds righty has battled carpal tunnel syndrome for years
By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com
10/04/09 6:07 PM EST
Bronson Arroyo decided against right wrist surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome this offseason, the Reds right-hander told The Associated Press on Sunday.Arroyo has been bothered by the condition for years, but it improved this season when he gave up playing the guitar. For now, he feels he can do without going under the knife.
"I'm going to wait it out for another year," he was quoted by the AP. "I feel too good throwing the ball now."
In 2009, Arroyo led the Reds in wins (15) and the starters in ERA (3.84) while pitching a team-high 220 1/3 innings. After his wrist flared up during Spring Training, he gave up playing the guitar during the season and his hand improved.
Arroyo plans on playing the guitar again in the offseason, then give it up during the '10 campaign, the AP added.
The 32-year-old, who made $9.5 million this season, has one guaranteed year left at $11 million next season, then could become a free agent, which reportedly factored into his decision to put off risky surgery. The contract also includes a club option of $11 million for '11, with a $2 million buyout.
Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
