News came today that Cincinnati Reds’ third basemen Scott Rolen will miss 4-6 weeks after having arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder.

The veteran has been on the disabled list since July 21 with a strained left shoulder. It’s the same shoulder that cost him a trip to the DL back in April and it has plagued him most of the season.

Rolen is hitting just .242/.279/.379 with five homers and .676 OPS over 269 plate appearances this season. It could be early or mid-September before he returns to the lineup, if at all. Miguel Cairo should see the majority of the starts during his absence while sharing time with rookie Todd Frazier, but Juan Francisco could be a possibility once he is recovered from a knee injury.

MY TAKE: After managing to play in 133 games last season for the Reds, the 36-year old has seen action in just 65 contests in 2011. Assuming he doesn’t return this season, Rolen will finish the year averaging just 107 games over the past seven years. As much as I like his presence in the clubhouse and respect the career he’s had it may be time for him to hang up the cleats.

Fantasy Baseball, MLB cincinnati reds, scott rolen, miguel cairo, juan francisco, todd frazier