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ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals announced on Monday that left-handed reliever Randy Flores, who could find himself with a bigger role in 2006, has undergone elbow surgery.
Flores, 30, had a debridement procedure in his left elbow to remove a bone spur. Dr. George Paletta, a medical consultant to the Cardinals and the former head team physician, performed the operation at Barnes Jewish West County Hospital in western St. Louis County.
Flores was a success in his first full season in the Major Leagues after cracking the Cards' roster in Spring Training. He pitched 41 2/3 innings over 50 games, going 3-1 with a save and a 3.46 ERA. The left-hander struck out 43 against just 13 walks, and he held left-handed hitters to a line of .173/.250/.333 (batting average/on-base/slugging).
For most of the year, Flores served as the Cardinals' second lefty in the bullpen, behind Ray King. However, King struggled late in the year (4.80 ERA after the All-Star break) and was not used in the postseason. Flores, meanwhile, fared well in the playoffs after a rocky first game, not allowing a run over his final four appearances.
King said after the National League Championship Series ended that he would like to be traded. If the Cardinals accommodate him, Flores could be bumped up into the role as the No. 1 lefty in the 'pen, or St. Louis could acquire another pitcher to take that spot.
Matthew Leach is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.[/b][/quote]
Flores, 30, had a debridement procedure in his left elbow to remove a bone spur. Dr. George Paletta, a medical consultant to the Cardinals and the former head team physician, performed the operation at Barnes Jewish West County Hospital in western St. Louis County.
Flores was a success in his first full season in the Major Leagues after cracking the Cards' roster in Spring Training. He pitched 41 2/3 innings over 50 games, going 3-1 with a save and a 3.46 ERA. The left-hander struck out 43 against just 13 walks, and he held left-handed hitters to a line of .173/.250/.333 (batting average/on-base/slugging).
For most of the year, Flores served as the Cardinals' second lefty in the bullpen, behind Ray King. However, King struggled late in the year (4.80 ERA after the All-Star break) and was not used in the postseason. Flores, meanwhile, fared well in the playoffs after a rocky first game, not allowing a run over his final four appearances.
King said after the National League Championship Series ended that he would like to be traded. If the Cardinals accommodate him, Flores could be bumped up into the role as the No. 1 lefty in the 'pen, or St. Louis could acquire another pitcher to take that spot.
Matthew Leach is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.[/b][/quote]
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