PEORIA, Ariz. — San Diego Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks after he undergoes arthroscopic knee surgery on Monday.
The 29-year-old Quentin began to experience inflammation in his right knee after reporting to spring training, and the team’s medical staff has been monitoring the situation since. He said Saturday he wanted to have the routine surgery now to potentially avoid a more serious injury down the road.
“Spring training days can substitute for rehab days so I can get on the field as fast as possible and play games that do count,” Quentin said. “My other option involved trying to manage it. Knowing any type of slide or blunt-force trauma to the knee could re-aggravate it and miss an unforeseeable amount of games, this decision is made with the hope no games will be missed once the knee is healthy.”
The Padres open the regular season April 5 at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Quentin was acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox on Dec. 31. The Padres parted with two minor league pitchers in the deal, and manager Bud Black said he plans to use Quentin in the cleanup spot this season.
Bonds given 30-day extension for appeal
SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds has been given a 30-day extension until April 20 to file written arguments in his appeal to overturn his obstruction of justice conviction.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted the extension Wednesday after it was not opposed by federal prosecutors.
Under the new schedule, the government will have until May 21 to respond. After that, Bonds’ lawyers will have another 14 days to file a reply brief if they so choose.
Bonds’ appeal will be randomly assigned to a three-judge panel that will hear oral arguments this year.