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Rays' Iwamura may return this season after surgery Monday

Tribune file photo

Akinori Iwamura was hurt in a collision at second base against the Florida Marlins on May 24.

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TBO.com Staff

Published: June 22, 2009

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Akinori Iwamura could play again this season after the team's orthopedic surgeon discovered the anterior cruciate ligament in Iwamura's left knee was only partially torn.

Dr. Koco Eaton, the Rays team orthopedist, performed surgery on Monday, repairing a torn medial meniscus in addition to the ACL. Since it was only partially torn, the surgery was done arthroscopically and full reconstructive surgery was not required, the team announced in a press release.

Iwamura could return to game action in six to eight weeks, according to the release.

Iwamura was injured in a collision at second base with Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan on May 24. Iwamura was placed on the 60-day disabled list and team officials at the time said he was out for the season.

The surgery was performed at St. Anthony's Carillon Surgery Center in St. Petersburg.

Iwamura, in the final year of his current three-year contract, batted .310 with 13 doubles and eight stolen bases in 44 games for the Rays before the injury.

He was a key member of the Rays' unexpected run to the World Series in 2008, batting .274 and scoring 91 runs with 30 doubles, nine triples in 152 games last season.

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