HOUSTON, Oct. 25 -- Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell, one of baseball's top offensive players, will undergo surgery Friday to repair a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder.
The 33-year-old Bagwell has been one of the game's most durable players in recent years, playing at least 147 games each of the past six seasons and participating in all 162 contests three times.
In 2001, Bagwell batted .288 with 39 homers and 130 RBI in 161 games, helping the Astros claim the National League Central Division title. He led the team in runs (126), homers, RBI and walks (106).
Bagwell ranked among NL leaders in walks, runs, RBI, extra-base hits, homers, doubles and total bases.
The Astros also announced upcoming surgeries for pitcher Ron Villone and outfielder Glen Barker.
Villone, who was acquired from Colorado in June, will have surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. Last season, the 31-year-old lefthander was 5-7 with a 5.56 ERA over 31 games, including six starts.
Barker will undergo surgery due to a partial tear of the labrum in his left shoulder. After making the Opening Day roster, Barker played in 30 games, primarily as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. He was two for 24 with an RBI and four stolen bases.
Also, lefthander Carlos Hernandez is scheduled to have another MRI on his left shoulder in early November. He suffered a partial tear in his left rotator cuff while diving back into second base on Aug. 29 against Cincinnati and missed the remainder of the season. |end|
