CLEVELAND (AP) - Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore will miss the remainder of the season after microfracture surgery on his left knee.
Sizemore underwent a 90-minute operation on Friday in Vail, Colo. The team says the arthroscopic procedure performed by Dr. Richard Steadman included microfracture, which involves the drilling of small holes into the kneecap to stimulate the growth of cartilage.
The Indians said Sizemore, a three-time All-Star and Cleveland's most popular player, will need six to nine months to recover. He is expected to participate in exhibition games next March when the Indians open training camp in Goodyear, Ariz.
The loss of Sizemore is another major blow to the Indians, who are in last place in the AL Central and struggling to sell tickets.
Sizemore injured his knee diving back to a base in April and re-injured it sliding in a May 16 at Baltimore.
This is the latest medical setback for Sizemore, who was limited to 106 games last season before he had surgery on his elbow and groin.
It could be that Sizemore's aggressive style of play is catching up to him. The 27-year-old is known for his all-out hustle, diving for balls and crashing into walls to make catches.