Thursday, October 28, 1999
Doctor No. 2: Harnisch needs surgery
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Though Pete Harnisch may not want to undergo surgery on his throwing shoulder, he's becoming outnumbered.
Dr. David Altchek, a New York Mets team orthopedist, examined Harnisch on Wednesday and recommended arthroscopic surgery for the Reds right-hander, who pitched in pain from June until the end of the season.
That echoed the opinion of Dr. Tim Kremchek, the Reds' medical director, who has said that he would feel better about Harnisch's chances of pitching a full season next year if his fraying labrum were repaired in a relatively simple “clean-out” procedure.
Harnisch expressed concern last week that he might not be ready for the start of the season if he had surgery. He needed nearly eight months to recover from surgery on Aug. 18, 1995, when he pitched for the Mets and Altchek fixed a torn labrum in his shoulder. Opening Day is less than six months away.
But Reds General Manager Jim Bowden thinks that Harnisch can rebound much more quickly from arthroscopic surgery. “If the procedure is done, he should be ready by spring training (mid-February),” Bowden said.
It's still not certain when or whether Harnisch will undergo surgery. As of early Wednesday evening, Reds officials had not yet discussed the matter with him. Harnisch, who had planned to strengthen his shoulder with an exercise program after taking a month off, could not immediately be reached.
Harnisch, who anchored the Reds' starting rotation with a 16-10 record and a 3.68 ERA this year, led the staff in victories, starts (33) and innings (198ô) despite his injury.
At full effectiveness, Harnisch is among baseball's best bargains. He's due to make $3.25 million next year, about half of what many pitchers of his status earn. The Reds hold a $3.75 million option for 2001.
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