Ailing Matheny shuts it down for the season

By TIMES WIRES
Published August 3, 2006

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SAN FRANCISCO - Catcher Mike Matheny has made little progress in his recovery from a concussion and will not play again this season for San Francisco.

After another series of tests and appointments with specialists at the University of Pittsburgh last week, Matheny, sidelined since May 31, and the Giants' medical staff decided he should spend the rest of 2006 recovering to reduce the risk of further damage to his brain.

"It's real, and I understand that, and I also understand it's out of my hands," said Matheny, 35, who spoke after the Giants' 8-6 victory over Washington. "I'm at peace with that."

BRAVES: First baseman Adam LaRoche was pulled from the game against Pittsburgh with a strained right hamstring and is listed as day to day. LaRoche doubled and scored on Todd Pratt's double in the fifth before being lifted, apparently after being injured while running the bases.

CUBS: Right-hander Kerry Wood declined having surgery on his torn rotator cuff, opting instead to rehab it and hopefully be ready for spring training.

METS: With a surplus of starting pitchers, New York optioned rookie right-hander Mike Pelfrey to Triple-A Norfolk and recalled left-hander Royce Ring, a reliever.

PADRES: Right-hander Chan Ho Park is expected to have a transfusion today to treat intestinal bleeding.

SUSPENSIONS: Major League Baseball suspended infielder Marcos Chavez and pitcher Jonathan Gonzalez of the St. Louis organization for 50 games each for violating the drug prevention and treatment program. They play in the Venezuelan Summer League.

- TIMES WIRES