MRI Shows Thompson Has Tear in Shoulder

Before last week, catcher Karl Thompson of the Lancaster JetHawks was unable to explain his erratic play on defense.

“I’ve been looking for a reason,” said Thompson, whose throws to second base lacked velocity and accuracy. “I was thinking I’m not as good as I was last year.”

Thompson got the word Monday. An MRI exam revealed a tear in his right, throwing shoulder. He consulted with team Dr. Dom Sisto before Wednesday’s game against Modesto and will decide as early as today whether to have surgery.

An operation would sideline Thompson for the rest of the season. Thompson is batting .273 in six games with Lancaster since being demoted by double-A Memphis, where he struggled.

He was with the Seattle Mariners in spring training as a nonroster player after batting .290 with 36 doubles and 66 runs batted in last season at Wisconsin, the club’s lower-level Class-A team.

Thompson might continue as a designated hitter because he can swing the bat with no discomfort.

Despite chronic weakness, Thompson had no reason for an examination until he woke up June 25 with what he thought was a cramp in the shoulder.

“It’s a substantial tear,” said Thompson, 23. “I’ve had weakness in my arm since high school. I’m thinking it’s been a gradual thing.”

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Right-handed pitcher Dennis Stark joined the JetHawks on Wednesday after going 6-3 with a 1.97 earned-run average at Wisconsin. Stark will start on Sunday.

Pitchers Allan Westfall and Eric Morgan were sent from the JetHawks to Wisconsin on Tuesday.

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Tonight’s game: Modesto (Julian Leyva, 3-3, 5.00) at JetHawks (Kevin Gryboski, 0-3, 8.64), 7:15.

AROUND THE LEAGUES

Scanning Tuesday’s box scores: TRIPLE A--Right-hander Dan Chergey (Thousand Oaks) pitched four shutout innings for Charlotte but got no decision in a 3-1 loss to Toledo. . . . Edmonton left-hander Andrew Lorraine (Hart) worked 6 1/3 innings and is 4-5 after a 5-3 victory over Vancouver. . . . DOUBLE A--Second baseman David Newhan (Pepperdine), recently promoted from Class A-Visalia, had two hits, including a double in Huntsville’s 6-5 loss to Chattanooga. . . . Right-hander Brandon Knight (Buena, Ventura College) pitched a three-hitter and struck out five in Tulsa’s 8-0 victory over Arkansas. Knight is 2-0 since being promoted from Class A-Charlotte. . . . Designated hitter J.P. Roberge (St. Francis) had three hits, including his 11th home run, a double and two runs batted in for San Antonio.