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PHOENIX -- A doctor for Arizona first baseman Richie Sexson has recommended surgery for the slugger.

	Richie Sexson First Base Arizona Diamondbacks Profile
	2004 SEASON STATISTICS GM HR RBI R SB AVG 23 9 23 20 0 .233

The Diamondbacks said Monday that Dr. Michael Lee determined Sexson's partially torn labrum won't be able to heal on its own this season, although there were no new injuries to his shoulder.

Lee also recommended a second opinion. Sexson is set to be examined next Tuesday or Wednesday by Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Ala.

"His season's over most likely," manager Bob Brenly said Tuesday. "But, there's always that chance out of left field that he could come back. Dr. Andrews is as thorough as any doctor, and we'll get a better idea as soon as he performs the surgery."

Brewers first baseman Lyle Overbay, sent to Milwaukee in the Sexson trade, was saddened because he knew how much the Diamondbacks and their fans were expecting from Sexson this season.

"That is tough, for him especially just because he's never experienced this," Overbay said. "I know that Arizona went and got him for one reason and that's to bring a couple of home runs to the ballpark and to be able to win that game when you're down two or three.

"I know he must be frustrated to hear surgery's the best option, but hopefully he's got a long career ahead of himself."

Lee said he had determined that Sexson's injury is problematic and will continue as the season moves on.

"My recommendation is to lean toward surgical intervention to repair the labrum and get Richie on the road to recovery sooner than later," Lee said in a news release sent out by the team late Monday.

Sexson would need up to six months to recover from the operation.

Sexson reaggravated the injury on a check swing Saturday against Florida and was placed back on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday. He was originally hurt while checking his swing in an April 28 game, partially tearing the labrum and bruising the top of the arm bone.

Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press