Here's an updated news story on Nori Aoki's recurrence of concussion symptoms. Part of this already was posted to the blog, but there's comments from Aoki and more on what will happen next. -AB
DENVER – In the first half, Aoki was a near All-Star. His second half has been all marred.
And a recurrence of concussion symptoms jeopardizes his ability to play again this season.
Aoki will accompany the Giants to Arizona after Sunday’s game but will travel to Pittsburgh in the coming days to consult with concussion specialist Dr. Mickey Collins. Asked if his season might be over, Aoki said, “I want to play, but it all depends on what the doctor says.”
Aoki’s issue stems from Aug. 9, when he was hit on the brim of the helmet by a pitch from the Cubs’ Jake Arrieta at Wrigley Field. Aoki had a headache that went away quickly, he took a couple days off and played Aug. 12. But he experienced symptoms in that game and was placed on the 7-day concussion disabled list.
He returned Aug. 20 but hasn’t been the same, hitting .200/.259/.340 and appearing disoriented at times in left field.
Aoki acknowledged that looking back, the fatigue he felt upon his return likely was due to the concussion and it affected his performance.
“I think so,” Aoki said through interpreter Kosuke Inaji. “Looking back now, in that moment, I thought I was just tired … and feeling just out of it in general.
“When I woke up this morning, my head felt kind of heavy and I felt out of breath. It got kind of worse the last two days. Looking back, it started before then.”
“It kind of stinks, especially with the team in a playoff race. Everyone is tired. Everyone is going through their own thing. It was difficult to bring up today that I was feeling a little off.”
In the first half, Aoki hit .317/.383/.385 in 67 games. He’s played just 26 games after the break, missing a month with a fractured fibula caused when he was hit by another pitch by Carlos Frias at Dodger Stadium in June 20.
The Giants hold a $5.5 million option on Aoki for next season.
“We’ll have to give him some time,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. “I feel for Nori. It’s been a good year but a rough one for him. It cost him a really nice season.”
The post Nori Aoki plans to see concussion specialist in Pittsburgh appeared first on Giants Extra.