Counsell out at least 10 days
Shortstop has small labrum tear in throwing shoulder

Steve Gilbert
MLB.com
March 1, 2006

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Shortstop Craig Counsell will miss at least the next 10 days due to a small labrum tear in his throwing shoulder.

An MRI taken on Tuesday showed the veteran suffered from a SLAP tear. SLAP is an acronym for superior labrum anterior to posterior. According to the club, there are plenty of players in the big leagues who play with small tears in their labrum.

"I've got to rest it for a little bit so my Spring Training is going to be shorter for sure," Counsell said. "But I think we got it figured out far enough in advance that I can get the shoulder strong and be all right still by the time Opening Day comes around."

Counsell will rest the shoulder for the next couple of days and then receive a shot of cortisone and begin a program to strengthen the muscles around the labrum.

"Strengthening is going to be a big part of it and then we'll start throwing again, and if it feels good we'll jump right back in there," Counsell said.

Counsell will have to stay on a program to maintain the strength in the muscles around the labrum throughout the season.

"As long as maintenance-wise he keeps the muscles around that strong, he's going to be able to play," Melvin said. "And he is a very diligent worker and we have no concerns about him keeping himself ready to play."

The pain first surfaced for Counsell three weeks ago when he was taking some one-armed swings in the batting cage.

"I just thought I had a sore shoulder, really," he said. "That's the event that I point to where I think it happened. I haven't really rested it all so hopefully with some rest a little bit I can get some of the problem out of there."

Melvin said Counsell should be ready for the start of the regular season as long as he's able to get 40 at-bats during the spring.

Debut: Stephen Drew will get the starting nod at shortstop in place of Counsell in Thursday's spring opener against the White Sox.