Olney: Matt Wieters Out for Season

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- After a promising spring, Matt Wieters, Orioles catcher and Baseball America's no. one prospect in the country, was diagnosed with a torn MCL Monday, and expects to be sidelined for the 2009 season.

Publicly, the Orioles stated Wieters needed to begin the season in AAA, but most believed he was expected to make his rookie debut early in the year.

"Right now, I'm not sure what my options are," Wieters told ESPN. "If I can get through this, I will. We'll just have to see."

It is currently unknown when the 22 year-old suffered the injury.

"Last night he just started complaining about pain in his leg when he was walking," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. "We sent him to the training room and got the bad news."

"Finding out you're not going to make your Big League debut until later than you planed. . . that's rough."

Orioles officials would not give a time line for Wieters recovery, but if Wieters requires reconstructive surgery, he will most likely be looking at 3-6 months.

"Oh man," said Trembley, "I wonder if he'll ever be able to play at the high level we expected now. It's scary, we'll see."

Late last year the Orioles traded catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Reds to make room for Wieters. Veteran Greg Zaun will likely get most of the catching duty this season.

"Sometimes, " said Wieters’ agent Scott Boras, "the unexpected happens. It’s unfortunate."

Buster Olney is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine. He updates his blog each morning on ESPN.com.