Surgery Sidelines Padres Catcher

Federowicz out until at least the All-Star break

The main goal of Spring Training for any Major League Baseball team is to prevent any major injuries. Unfortunately, it almost never happens. Once again, the Padres, weren’t so lucky.

Catcher Tim Federowicz injured his right knee earlier in Spring Training in a game against the Rockies re-positioning on defense. Friday surgeons at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla repaired a complete tear of the lateral meniscus.

Recovery is expected to last between 3-6 months. Manager Bud Black said the timeline looks to be around the All-Star break or mid-August.

The Padres were hoping the injury could be fixed by a less invasive arthroscopic procedure but when they found out the meniscus was completely torn that was no longer an option.

Federowicz joined the Padres on December 18th as part of the trade that also brought Matt Kemp to San Diego and sent catcher Yasmani Grandal and pitcher Joe Wieland to the Dodgers.

Wil Nieves now looks to be the Padres' primary backup to Derek Norris. The injury also opens the possibility of heralded prospect Austin Hedges to make his first Opening Day roster.

Contact Us