Wednesday, September 01, 1999Astros' Alou out for year
Falls off bike, hurts knee again
The Associated PressHOUSTON — Houston Astros outfielder Moises Alou, recovering from major knee surgery, will be out for the season, General Manager Gerry Hunsicker said Tuesday.
The team hoped Alou, who fell off a treadmill before spring training and underwent major knee surgery that has kept him out all season, would be able to return to the team in September. A biking accident on Sunday caused another setback.
Earlier Tuesday, the Astros improved their depth in the outfield by acquiring Stan Javier from the San Francisco Giants for 24-year-old right-hander Joe Messman.
“While things look bleak, I'm still leaving the door open that Moises will be able to come back this season,” Hunsicker said. “But the chances are slim.”
Alou was riding his bike with his son Percio Sunday when Alou stopped suddenly and fell off the bike and reinjured his knee. MRI results were negative and showed no structural damage occurred.
But the accident caused fluid to build up on the knee, leaving his return in doubt.
Alou had a career year with the Astros last season. He hit .312 with 182 hits, 38 home runs and 124 RBI.
Javier is a switch-hitter who can play all three outfield positions.
The Astros also asked for unconditional release waivers on pitcher Sean Bergman, a former member of the team's rotation, and Alex Diaz on Tuesday. They recalled pitcher Jose Cabrera from Triple-A.
Bergman was 4-6 with a 5.35 ERA in 19 games and 16 starts this season. He spent time on the disabled list with tightness in his right forearm. Bergman had a 12-9 record for the Astros last season, a career high for victories.
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Astros' Alou out for year