DUNEDIN, Fla. — Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones will miss the start of his farewell season.
Tw o d a y s after Jones announced his retirement after this season, the Braves said Saturday that Jones needs arthroscopic surgery to repair torn meniscus in his left knee.
The procedure will be performed Monday. The 39-year-old Jones will open the season on the disabled list, but the team expects him to miss only the first six games. General Manager Frank Wren said Jones should return in time for the April 13 home opener.
Martin Prado, normally the team’s starting left fielder, will move to the infield until Jones returns. Wren said he’s not looking to make a trade for help at third base or in the outfield.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said he’ll be cautious not to rush Jones back.
“I’m thinking, just being common sense, that this may take a little longer,” Gonzalez said after a spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays. “We’ve got to get him back in shape and swinging the bat.”
Jones missed about 2 1/2 weeks last season after having arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. This is just the latest in a string of injuries that persuaded him to retire after one more season. He turns 40 next month.
“The last time he had surgery ... it took only about 17 days to get him back on the field. Of course, that being said, he had played for 2 1/2 months. He wasn’t that far out of rhythm or out of shape,” Gonzalez said. “But knowing him, If it’s not right on 17 days, it may be 21. He knows his body. He doesn’t take very long to get his rhythm going at the plate.”
With Prado starting the season at third base, the Braves could turn to Matt Diaz or Eric Hinske in left field. Jones’ injury also could create an opportunity for Jose Constanza or Jordan Parraz.
None are likely to match Jones’ numbers. Last season, he hit .275 with 18 home runs and 70 RBI.
“He’s a big presence on the field and in the lineup (but) we’ve got plenty of guys who can pick up the slack,” Gonzalez said.
Sports, Pages 28 on 03/25/2012