D-backs' Blanco to have thumb surgery

By foxsports
Published

Arizona Diamondbacks backup catcher Henry Blanco is scheduled for surgery Wednesday to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb and could miss the rest of the season.

An MRI performed Tuesday in Phoenix revealed the tear. Blanco was injured Sunday in a game at Philadelphia when the Phillies' John Mayberry slid into his mitt at home plate.

Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said before Tuesday night's game at Pittsburgh that he did not have a timetable for Blanco's return but conceded he might not return this season.

Blanco, who was placed on the disabled list Monday, is hitting .188 with one home run in 21 games this season.