Florida State head baseball coach Mike Martin got some sad news on Wednesday, shortstop Justin Gonzalez– who opted to return for his senior season rather than go pro– will miss the rest of 2013 after undergoing surgery on his hip.
“To lose Justin Gonzalez, a three-year starter and our captain is obviously a difficult pill to swallow,” said Martin. “But knowing that Justin will be there for his teammates is an inspiration and is gratifying to me as a coach.
“I am deeply saddened that he will not be on the field but I am very grateful to have him in our presence for the rest of the season.”
Giovanny Alfonzo will replace Gonzalez at short for the remainder of the season. Alfonzo is hitting .250 so far this season with 8 RBI's. It will be hard to completely replace the experience and hitting that Gonzalez would have provided though. He already had two home runs and five runs driven in through the five games he appeared in this season.
“Obviously, none of this was planned,” said Gonzalez. “It breaks my heart that I had to go through with the surgery. After meeting with doctors out in Colorado, there was no other option than to have the surgery.
“As far as baseball is concerned, I had to look at the long-term rather than the short-term. I will still serve as captain this year but it will just be in a different role. I plan on being there to motivate and support my teammates throughout the season. There is one thing I know, I will be back; it will only be a matter of time.”
If Marcus Davis weren't such a revelation in the Seminole lineup, FSU could really be in trouble as a result of this loss. But with Davis and DJ Stewart hitting well, and with the growth of other players on the roster, Florida State should be able to weather this injury.
The Seminoles will seek a medical redshirt for Gonzalez who would like to return in 2014.
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