Cincinnati Reds speedster Billy Hamilton will undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery later this week, ending the season for the Cincinnati Reds center fielder and MLB base stealer.

Hamilton leads the majors with a career-best 57 steals in 65 chances and also is among the National League leaders with eight outfield assists. He missed the last six starts after re-injuring his shoulder, stealing a base in his lone appearance since then.

Hamilton was on the 15-day disabled list from Aug. 19 to Sept. 7 with a shoulder injury sustained diving for a ball. General manager Walt Jocketty announced the move after Monday night’s 2-1 loss to the Cardinals. Jocketty said the surgery is set for Friday in Cincinnati.”We think it’s in his best interest to shut him down now,” Jocketty said.

Jocketty went on to say that team doctors examined Hamilton on Saturday in Cincinnati but found no structural damage. But the GM said it best to get the procedure done so Hamilton will be ready for spring training.”The idea is to do it now so he can get started on his off-season conditioning program, which starts Nov. 1,” Jocketty said.

Traditionally, shortstop has been a position in MLB where defense has been expected over offensive output. Cincinnati seems to be happy with there center fielder’s production. Although Hamilton did lead the majors in stolen bases he only batted .226 with four homers and 28 RBIs. But, Hamilton does have great range and the ability to get to balls that most center fielders can’t because of his closing speed. Ironically, Hamilton as he was coming up through the Red’s farm system, he was a shortstop.

I have seen Hamilton in person several times attending Arizona Fall League games, Spring Training games where he is by far and away the fastest MLB player on the field that day. That does come into play as he is running on the base-pads or tracking down a ball in center field. The old saying is speed never slumps. That is true, but it can have season ending surgery.

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