The Texas Rangers slugger’s season will reportedly end early for the second time in three years.
It’s not easy to stay healthy when you’re around Prince Fielder’s age. He’s 32, and it’s been reported that he’ll miss the rest of the season with a neck injury for the second time in three years.
Next: Best Starting Pitchers in MLB History
According to ESPN, Fielder went in to get a second opinion on his neck Monday, and the doctor he saw recommended the same as the previous one: surgery is likely needed. Fielder has a herniation of the C4 and C5 disks, an injury that can’t be comfortable for anyone in his position.
If there’s something you don’t mess with, it’s your spine, especially at Fielder’s age. Part of loving the game you play is the ability to pass that love on, to foster it in a younger generation, perhaps your own kids. It’s increasingly difficult to do that from a wheelchair, which might be where Fielder is headed if he doesn’t get some substantial help for his neck soon.
This isn’t Fielder’s first surgery, it’s his second in three years. That alone should be cause for worry for Fielder, his family, and Rangers fans alike. It might be coming to the point where Fielder should be seriously thinking about retirement, but he’s likely not done yet. It’ll take a lot more than a neck injury to keep him off the field, even though the neck injury might end up taking him off the field permanently if he’s not careful.
For more MLB news, check out our MLB Hub.