Rangers' Fielder considering season-ending surgery

Texas Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder is seriously considering season-ending surgery after a consultation with spine specialist Dr. Drew Dossett on Thursday, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Fielder, hampered by a herniated disk in his neck, was unable to participate in his club's series opener with the Tigers at Comerica Park on Thursday, effectively postponing his inaugural showdown with his former club. The 30-year-old slugger received a nerve-root injection over the weekend to alleviate the discomfort, but the problematic pinched nerve can only be fixed by surgery.

Rangers manager Ron Washington has yet to discuss the latest development with Fielder.

“We flew out last night, I got here at 8 o’clock this morning, and I haven’t had any conversations with anyone yet,” Washington said. “He could still fly here.

“I think he’s disappointed that he can’t be here not only for this series but for his team. It’s a situation where there wasn’t anything he could do about it. If he could, he would be here."