By Erin K. Blakeley, Knee1 Staff
Last spring, John Valentin received the worst news he could hear. After battling though torn cartilage and tendonitis during the off-season, the Red Sox third-baseman tore his patellar tendon during a game last May, and was sidelined for the rest of the season. Rumors abounded that the injury would be the end of Valentin’s career.
A few days later, on June 1st of last year, Valentin underwent surgery to reattach his patellar tendon to his left kneecap. His surgery took place at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. For the rest of the summer and fall, Valentin went through rehabilitation. After months of hard work, a return to play looked possible.
Two days ago, the Sox activated Valentin from the disabled list. He entered the game as shortstop, and proceeded to go 1 for 2 with two walks. He had no errors in the field.
Valentin, a long time third baseman, will continue to play shortstop in the absence of Nomar Garciaparra, who is recovering from wrist surgery.
