Meares says he will not have surgery on left hand
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Pat Meares said he will not have surgery on his injured left hand, which has hampered his performance at the plate since 1999. The infielder has disagreed with management about whether he should play without the surgery. Team officials say the decision has been left to Meares.
Meares has two years left on his $15 million, four-year contract.
A hand specialist consulted by the Pirates recommended surgery, but a University of Massachusetts doctor visited by Meares said another operation would not help him regain any strength or flexibility in his hand.
If Meares is not taken off the disabled list by the Pirates, he likely would want to play elsewhere, but the team may be hesitant to let him go.
The team has disability insurance that covers long-term contracts. Those insurance payments might be threatened should Meares be released.
General manager Dave Littlefield said Meares has not performed at an acceptable level, and will remain on the disabled list.
Calls to Meares’ agent, Steve Comte, were not immediately returned.