Cabrera has tumor removed from spine
Embattled Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera had a benign tumor removed from his spine on August 30th. He is expected to miss the rest of this season but be ready for spring training.
According to Blue Jays’ general manager Alex Anthopoulos, Cabrera was experiencing back pain for three or four months but failed to mention it to anyone. Reportedly, the tumor was pushing on nerves and causing weakness in the outfielder’s legs.
In an interview with the Associated Press, the Jays’ general manager spoke about the situation:
“It didn’t make any sense considering he’s 28 years old,” Anthopoulos said. “I’m glad he finally came forward. I’m not glad that we found something, but I’m glad it can be corrected and we should be good to go.”
“You give him credit because he doesn’t want to come out of the lineup, wants to play, would have to be dragged to the training room, didn’t want treatment, did not want to make excuses, ever, for his play,” Anthopoulos said. “That’s something that you admire. I think he’s just relieved that now he knows he’s going to be fine.”
Melky Cabrera was suspended for 50 games and left off the San Francisco Giants postseason roster last season, despite being eligible to return, after testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone.
Cabrera was hitting .279 with 3 HRs and 30 RBI for Toronto this season.