First baseman has non-cancerous tumor
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Texas Rangers minor leaguer Jason Hart has been diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumor and is expected to miss the season.
The team said Saturday that Hart's condition was confirmed during a series of tests after he reported to the Rangers' minor league camp last week.
Hart, a first baseman and outfielder, is expected to undergo surgery in the next few weeks to have the tumor removed.
General manager John Hart, no relation to the player, said the team was "shocked and saddened to hear of Jason's diagnosis." He said the Rangers' medical staff believes the tumor was diagnosed early, "and we all hope we see Jason back on the field as soon as possible."
Hart batted .252 and hit a team-leading 21 home runs in 137 games last year for the Rangers' triple-A team in Oklahoma. He appeared in 10 games with the Rangers in 2002.
Texas acquired him from Oakland in January 2002 with pitcher Mario Ramos, outfielder Ryan Ludwick and catcher Gerald Laird in exchange for infielder Carlos Pena and pitcher Mike Venafro.
Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press
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