Michael O'Leary/For The Olympian
Mariners pitcher Ryan Anderson, shown throwing last week at spring training, will miss his second straight season because of an injured left shoulder.

M's Anderson out for season

JIM COUR, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Originally published Thursday, March 14, 2002

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Seattle Mariners pitcher Ryan Anderson will miss his second straight season because of an injured left shoulder.

The 6-foot-10 left-hander, nicknamed the Little Unit because of his resemblance to former M's pitcher Randy Johnson, is scheduled for surgery next Wednesday to repair a torn labrum, part of the shoulder joint. He had surgery to repair a similar injury on March 6 last year.

"It's a shame. It really is," manager Lou Piniella said.

The injury was revealed when the 22-year-old pitcher Anderson had an MRI exam Wednesday. Mariners trainer Rick Griffin said this injury probably is different from last year's.

"It appears to be in a different spot," Griffin said.

Anderson, who went to high school in Dearborn, Mich., was the Mariners' first-round draft pick in 1997.

He was experiencing some pain this spring and did not pitch in any exhibition games, instead throwing on the side in workouts. He developed pain while throwing off a mound.

"He wasn't able to get his arm up where he needed to get it," Griffin said.

Griffin said Anderson did not try to throw hard all spring.

Anderson began having shoulder problems while pitching for Triple-A Tacoma in 2000, his third season as a Mariners farmhand.

He hasn't pitched in a game since Sept. 4, 2000.

'Little Unit' has injured left shoulder

Mariners glance

- Wednesday: Seattle 11, Chicago White Sox 4.

- Today: Seattle vs. San Francisco, 6:05 p.m. (1240-AM).

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