Hamilton has successful shoulder surgery
Estimated recovery time 4-6 weeks for Reds outfielder, who is not expected to abandon switch-hitting
CINCINNATI -- Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton had successful arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Tuesday. He is expected to need four to six weeks of recovery.
"That's a great timetable, realistically," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "A couple of weeks in a sling and then some more strenuous rehab, I'm sure, then getting back and doing some baseball-related stuff."
Team medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek performed the procedure.
Video: CIN@SF: Hamilton covers 72.4 feet on great catch
Hamilton was twice hurt in games down the stretch. On Aug. 18 vs. the Royals, he sprained a capsule inside the shoulder when he attempted a diving catch. That put him on the disabled list until Sept. 8. He was re-injured when he made throws from deep center field during a Sept. 14 game vs. the Giants. An MRI was taken to confirm that Hamilton needed surgery.
When he does recover, Hamilton is expected to work on his hitting and bunting in Southern California during the offseason with a yet-to-be revealed coach.
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Hamilton, 25, batted .226/.274/.289 in 114 games this season, with a Major League-leading 57 stolen bases. There has been speculation that the switch-hitter might give up batting left-handed next season. That is not expected to happen, however.
"We've actually had more conversation about having him remain hitting from the left side because of the historical perspective of guys who started [switch-hitting] that late in life and what it took for them to kind of get over the hump and become proficient," Price said. "Some of the more outstanding players, they stuck with it and were able to master it. I don't think anyone here is ready to turn the page on that idea."