SAN FRANCISCO, May 7 (UPI) -- The San Francisco Giants have announced All-Star closer Robb Nen will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partial rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder.
Nen, whose right shoulder has not responded to two previous arthroscopic procedures in the last five months, was scheduled to undergo the surgery Wednesday in Wilmington, Del.
Dr. Craig Morgan was to perform Nen's latest surgery. Morgan repaired a similar injury to then-Phillies pitcher Curt Schilling in 1999.
Nen is expected to be ready for spring training in 2004.
"Make no mistake: This is a serious surgery and there are no guarantees," said San Francisco head trainer Stan Conte. "Is this career-threatening? Absolutely."
Nen pitched one inning in an exhibition game against Oakland on March 29 before being placed on the 15-day disabled list two days later with a strained shoulder.
Despite missing Nen, the defending National League champions have not missed a beat. At 21-9, the Giants own the NL's best record while leading the West by 5 1/2 games over the Colorado Rockies.
In Nen's absence, the Giants have used Tim Worrell in the closer's role. The veteran righthander has been effective, going 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA and eight saves in nine chances.
"Robb is incredibly upbeat," Conte said. "He feels this is going to take him over the top, going in a different direction. This is the best I've seen his mental outlook in six months."
Nen, 33, went 6-2 with a 2.20 ERA and 43 saves last season on the way to garnering All-Star honors for the fifth straight season. He ranks 11th all time with 314 saves, and has amassed 206 since joining the Giants in 1998.
