Endy Chavez Out For Remainder of Season

Seattle Mariners outfielder Endy Chavez will miss the remainder of the 2009 season, and possibly the beginning of spring training after destroying both ligaments and cartilage in his right knee.

Team physician Dr. Edward Khalfayan said the likely recovery time for Chavez following surgery will be about nine months to one year.

Seattle placed Chavez on the 60-day disabled list and added infield Josh Wilson to the 25-man roster.

Chavez suffered the injury Friday night while charging a shallow pop fly in left field where he collided with shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt. Both players smashed their knees violently, subsequently shattering Chavez right knee.

Chavez was playing relatively well for the Mariners this season batting .273 with 2 homers and 13 RBI, and nine stolen bases.

According to Mariners manager Dan Wakamatsu, the team will give outfielder Wladimir Balentein another opportunity to be the teams starting left fielder. Balentein has struggled this year batting .223 with one homer and six RBIs in 40 games.

"We've given him a couple of opportunities this year to see if he's going to be the player we think he can be," Wakamatsu said of Balentien. "If not then we'll have to make some changes and address that."

The Mariners who today sit at an even .500 (34-34) remain 3 ½ games behind the AL west leading Texas Rangers. It remains to be seen whether the Mariners will be buyers or sellers come the July 31 deadline, but should they choose to be buyers they most certainly will be looking for a left fielder to replace Chavez.

Some possible options for the Mariners include Oakland A's outfielder Matt Holliday or Baltimore Orioles outfielder Luke Scott.