Garvey Expects to Miss Rest of Season, Wants to Undergo Shoulder Surgery

Steve Garvey, the San Diego Padre first baseman, said Monday he expects to miss the rest of the season because of a torn biceps tendon in his left shoulder area.

Garvey, 38, was placed on the 21-day disabled list Monday and said he wants to undergo surgery as soon as possible, so he can be healthy for the 1988 season.

“I’d still like to play one more year,” he said. “That’s the goal at this point.”

A date for surgery won’t be set until Garvey is examined by team doctors today. Garvey said that the recovery period would be between three to six months.

“There’s no reason to come back in September,” Garvey said.

Garvey’s career with the Padres is probably over as well. His $1.45-million contract is up after this season, and Padre sources say there is “no chance” he’ll be back in 1988.

“If that’s it (his last game with the Padres), I’m very pleased with what I’ve accomplished here. I feel I’ve helped raise the standards, the credibility, the interest, the awareness of what can be accomplished here. There’s no reason why this couldn’t be the second-best organization in baseball, right behind the Dodgers.”