ARLINGTON, Texas, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Texas Rangers outfielder Rusty Greer, who was hampered by injuries the last two years, is expected to miss all of the 2003 baseball season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Greer played just 113 games the last two seasons, and was on the disabled list from June 4-July 11 with back and neck problems. He also underwent surgery on Aug. 22 to fuse the C5-C6 vertebrae in his neck.
Greer, 33, who will undergo surgery again on Wednesday to repair a tear in his left rotator cuff, also is bothered by problems in his right hip and buttocks. He likely will need surgery for those problems as well.
"After a full consideration with our medical staff, it is apparent that Rusty Greer will not play for the Rangers in 2003," said General Manager John Hart. "We are hopeful that, once Rusty completes these medical procedures, he will begin a rehabilitation that will allow him to return for 2004."
Greer batted .296 with one home run and 17 RBI in 51 games last season. He has spent his entire career with the Rangers, and has a career .305 batting average with 119 homers and 614 RBI in 1,027 games.
He is signed through 2005.
"Rusty Greer has been a valuable member of this team for a number of years," Hart said. "We are hoping for the best."
Texas finished last in the American League West for the third straight season in 2002, and hired Buck Showalter as manager on Oct. 11.
