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ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Angels second baseman Johnny Giavotella has been diagnosed with fourth cranial nerve palsy, a condition that is expected to keep him sidelined indefinitely.
Giavotella explained his situation to reporters in the clubhouse before batting practice as the Angels prepared to begin a three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Friday night. The five-year veteran, who turned 28 in July, said one of the symptoms was double vision whenever he looked to his left.
Giavotella hasn't played since Aug. 20, when the Angels lost 8-2 to the Chicago White Sox — beginning a 2-9 slide that dropped them a season-worst 7 1-2 games out of first place in the AL West on Aug. 31 — and also put their wild card chances in jeopardy.
The Angels acquired Giavotella from the Kansas City Royals last December. He is batting .265 with three home runs and 40 RBIs in 119 games.
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