Giants INF Kevin Frandsen injures Achilles' tendon in minor league game

3/24/2008 6:46 PM

By JANIE McCAULEY
AP Sports Writer

San Francisco Giants infielder Kevin Frandsen ruptured his left Achilles' tendon in a minor league game Monday and could miss the entire season.

Frandsen, who was expected to be a utility infielder and perhaps start at times at second base, injured his leg while rounding second on a base hit after getting aboard on a single.

``It's a terrible break for Franny,'' manager Bruce Bochy said. ``It doesn't look good, but we have to wait until tomorrow for the MRI to confirm it.''

Bochy said Frandsen was undergoing an MRI in Phoenix but the results were to be reviewed back in San Francisco on Tuesday by team doctors - and any surgery would be performed in the Bay Area if necessary. The recovery time could be as long as six months, Bochy said.

``I'll have to wait for the MRI exam,'' general manager Brian Sabean said in a phone interview. ``I don't want to comment further until we know.''

Frandsen had already been nursing soreness in his Achilles'. Before his injury, the Giants were planning to keep infielder Eugenio Velez on the roster, but his role could be greater now that Frandsen is out. Also, infielder Jose Castillo, claimed by the Giants off waivers from the Florida Marlins on Saturday, also will be more involved at several spots.

The Giants were thin before Frandsen's injury.

``This kid's worked so hard,'' Bochy said. ``He was looking forward to competing for a starting job. He's been banged up this spring, but with the work he's put in this winter, sure, it's a setback. I'm sure it's (horrible) for the kid's psyche right now. It's a long road to get back, but Kevin's not going to let up, and he'll be back.''

The 25-year-old Frandsen, who came to camp in the best shape of his young career after a rigorous offseason regimen, was counting on having a major role for the rebuilding Giants. He has played only parts of two major league seasons the past two years, but appeared in 109 games for San Francisco in 2007 and batted .269 with five homers, 31 RBIs, 12 doubles and a triple.

``He's probably going to take it pretty hard,'' first baseman Dan Ortmeier said. ``He's got to be crushed. I think we all are, too.''

AP freelance writer Rick Eymer in Scottsdale, Ariz., contributed to this report.