Tigers catcher Alex Avila makes decision on knee surgery
After seeking a third opinion on his injured left knee, Tigers catcher Alex Avila has opted not to undergo surgery.
Avila was told that he would likely need to arthroscopic surgery after being diagnosed with a loose body in his left knee late last week. But after meeting with Dr. Kyle Anderson on Wednesday, Avila announced that he has decided against surgery and will instead rehabilitate his knee.
"When I heard that we can go this route and not only can get me on the field as quickly as possible but at the same time, be beneficial for me long-term as well, I was all for it," Avila said via the Detroit Free Press. "Rest and rehab," he said. "And we'll see where that takes us."
The 28-year-old Avila was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday and hopes that rehabbing his knee will allow him to return sooner than the 4-6 week recovery time for arthroscopic surgery. Avila said there's no set timetable for his return.
"Not sure just because everybody's body heals differently," he told the Free Press. "That's basically how it's going to go, how the body feels, what it tells me.
"My hope is I will be back sooner, that's why we went with this option so time will tell."
(h/t Detroit Free Press)
