Gibson May Need Surgery on His Sore Right Knee

Nearly four months after his dramatic game-winning home run in Game 1 of the World Series, Kirk Gibson is still gimpy.

The Dodger outfielder and National League most valuable player will be examined Tuesday in Los Angeles after reporting some discomfort in his right knee, which he injured sliding into second base in the fifth game of the National League playoffs.

Gibson, who had been planning to come to Los Angeles for the Dodgers’ public workout Sunday, will be examined by team physician Frank Jobe on Tuesday. Gibson, who will be 32 on May 28, told reporters in Detroit that he felt a twinge in the knee a week ago. He said that he didn’t consider the problem major but that there was a good chance he may undergo arthroscopic surgery.

A Dodger spokesman said that no surgery was planned at this time but indicated if the arthroscopy were necessary, Gibson would miss the first two weeks of spring training. Dodger pitchers and catchers report to Vero Beach, Fla., on Feb. 16, with the full squad due the next week.