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Tests show Flaherty has herniated disc

By KEVIN KELLY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 13, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- An MRI and bone scan performed Monday by a Rays back specialist revealed a herniated disc in catcher John Flaherty's neck.

The 33-year-old felt a pinching between his neck and shoulder blade last week and tried myriad treatments to soothe the pain. Now it appears a pain-killing injection every week until the end of the season or surgery are his treatment options.

"Surgery I guess is the last resort," Flaherty said Wednesday. "But that's what I need to figure out. Are these shots just covering up the pain or are they fixing the problem? That's what I need to find out."

He was scheduled to meet with team back specialist Tom Tolli and head trainer Jamie Reed on Tuesday to discuss his options, but the terrorist attacks in New York City and Arlington, Va., delayed the meeting.

Flaherty expected to hear from Tolli and Reed on Wednesday evening.

"I just want to get to where I get my neck taken care of," he said.

The Rays recalled catcher/infielder Paul Hoover from Triple-A Durham on Saturday to take over as Toby Hall's backup.

BOSOX PLANS: The Red Sox will check out of the Renaissance Vinoy resort today having spent three days in town without a game against the Rays.

Where the team is headed and how it's going to get there remain in doubt.

Kevin Shea, Red Sox director of communications and baseball information, said travel plans will be dictated by any decisions by commissioner Bud Selig. Boston is scheduled to begin a three-game series at Baltimore today.

GOOD LUCK: The Rays got some good news Wednesday when they learned Brooklyn-based scout Mel Zitter was not at the World Trade Center when it was struck by two commercial planes Tuesday morning.

Zitter was scheduled to attend a meeting at one of the towers at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

ODDS AND ENDS: Second baseman Brent Abernathy said his sprained left ankle feels better and shouldn't hamper his ability to play, whenever that is. Abernathy injured the ankle when he and Jason Tyner collided in a game against Seattle on Sept. 3. ... The Rays' practice at 3 p.m. today will not be open to the public.

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