sorry to report this smackie, but, lunchbox is starting to look like bernie williams:
Angels' Anderson Diagnosed With Arthritis
Thu May 20, 3:42 AM ET
ANAHEIM, Calif. - Anaheim Angels (news) center fielder Garret Anderson was diagnosed Wednesday with arthritis in his upper back, neck and shoulders.
Anderson, on the disabled list since April 22, will take medication and begin light workouts in a pool to start his rehabilitation. There is no timetable for his return to the lineup.
The 31-year-old outfielder, an All-Star the past two years and the game's MVP last season, hit .339 with two homers and five RBIs in 15 games last month before stiffness and pain forced him onto the DL for the first time in his career.
He has undergone many tests to try to determine the cause of the ailment.
"It's encouraging to get a hard diagnosis, something firm that can lead to a course of action that will help Garret get better," Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia said after Wednesday night's 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees (news).
"I think it's giving him a little peace of mind that there's something the medical staff can do to get him feeling better."
Asked if he expected Anderson to play again this season, Scioscia said, "Absolutely."
On April 13, Anderson, a career .300 hitter, signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension through 2008. The deal includes a team option for 2009 with a $3 million buyout.
Anaheim's Darin Erstad (hamstring) and Tim Salmon (knee) also are on the DL, and Troy Glaus is scheduled to have shoulder surgery on Friday.
