PeteAbe has the word: A-Rod has a torn labrum and a cyst in his hip, but will not undergo surgery, as was reported this morning. They’ve drained the cyst, and hope that rest will heal the tear. Anyone think the Yankees brass had anything to do with the decision to not have surgery?
Update by Ben (4:02 p.m.): PeteAbe has a little bit more info up right now. According to Brian Cashman, surgery would knock A-Rod out for four months. By pursuing the rest-and-rehab path, the Yanks are simply hoping A-Rod — like Chase Utley and Mike Lowell before him — can play through the pain. They have nothing to lose by delaying surgery. We could, however, argue that if surgery is inevitable, A-Rod’s return in July after four months off could energize the team. I think the Yanks just have too much riding on 2009 to risk it right now though. The team could change its mind before March is out.