Indians OF Tyler Naquin Undergoes Reconstructive Knee Surgery and Faces Long Recovery
By Jerry Trotta
All injuries suck, there's no denying that. But the unfortunate reality for Cleveland Indians outfielder Tyler Naquin is exceptionally harsh.
On Aug. 31, the 28-year-old exited a game against the Tampa Bay Rays after crashing into the left field wall while making a spectacular catch. A few days later, an MRI revealed that he tore his ACL and lateral meniscus on the play.
Today, the Indians announced that Naquin underwent a successful reconstruction operation Thursday. His timetable to return to the diamond is expected to be between seven and nine months.
Indians announce Tyler Naquin underwent right knee reconstruction Thuesday to repair a torn ACL and lateral meniscus. A return to Major League game activity is projected between 7-9 months.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) September 13, 2019
To think that a player is being forced away from the game he loves for the majority of a calendar year because he put his body on the line for his club is nothing short of devastating.
However, if you were to ask Naquin, there's no doubting that he would do it again if given the chance. That's just the type of gamer he is.
Tyler Naquin had his knee surgery yesterday. He's expected to be sidelined 7-9 months before returning to major-league action.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) September 13, 2019
All we can do now is hope that the Klein Collins High School product fares well during his lengthy recovery and rehab. He finishes 2019 slashing .288/.325/.467 to go with 10 home runs and 34 RBI in 274 at bats for the Tribe.