Brad Ausmus has opted to undergo surgery on his lower back and while he could be able to return late this summer part of my has to wonder if this is indeed the end of the road for the 41-year-old catcher.
Ausmus spent last season backing up Russell Martin in LA. He was expected to occupy a similar role this year but pain in his lower back may prevent him.
Ausmus won three gold gloves in his career and was a mainstay behind the plate on some competitive Houston teams over the last ten years.
He’s played 18 seasons in the major leagues and is a career .252/.325/.345 hitter.
Ausmus has little reason to return to the field and even during his time in Houston made his desires to play on the west coast near his family be known. This back injury may indeed push him into that role.
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