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Garciaparra has circulation problem

Submitted by SHNS on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 14:05

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Nomar Garciaparra said that the results from his Friday tests revealed a circulation problem in his legs. More tests will be done to figure out the exact cause of the ailment that has him on the 60-day disabled list. Garciaparra said the latest rounds of tests revealed that his legs are not getting enough blood flow, but doctors have failed to pinpoint the reason. He said blood clots and anything life-threatening have been ruled out. "They know that it exists," Garciaparra said. "It's hard to pinpoint what's causing it." The latest results are a breakthrough of sorts for the oft-injured infielder, who has been on the DL seven times in his career due to leg injuries. He said knowing there is an issue is somewhat reassuring, given his history. "It's nothing I've been doing wrong," he said. "That's comforting, knowing that." Garciaparra said the problem is not present when he is stationary, which has made finding the problem challenging, since most medical tests for circulation problems can not be performed while the patient is moving as he would during competition. Garciaparra, who has played in just nine games this season hitting .226 with a home run and five RBIs, has been on the DL twice this season, including this stint with the strained calf. However, he did manage to play in 122 and 121 games the previous two seasons. He said he does not know if this injury could be career threatening. "I've never thought about it," he said. "When I find out (the cause of the problem), I'll have more of an idea."A career .315 hitter over the last 13 seasons, Garciaparra has hit .291 with 28 homers and 157 RBIs since coming to the Dodgers in 2006.(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)