NEW YORK -- The Yankees' starting rotation has been dealt a serious blow, as Chien-Ming Wang -- the Major Leagues' winningest pitcher over the last two-plus seasons -- could be lost for the remainder of the 2008 campaign.
The right-hander was examined on Monday in New York and has been diagnosed with a mid-foot sprain of the Lisfranc ligament of the right foot and a partial tear of the peroneal longus tendon of the right foot.
Wang will be on crutches and wear a protective boot for at least six weeks, the Yankees said.
According to that timetable, Wang would not be out of the boot until almost early August, and would require additional time to return his arm to Major League pitching condition.
The evaluations were made on Monday at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Columbia Medical Center, with Wang being examined by Yankees team physician Dr. Stuart Hershon and Dr. Jason Greisberg, a foot and ankle specialist.
Wang's injury is the second Lisfranc-related diagnosis for the Yankees this season, a rarity considering injuries of that type do not normally affect baseball players.
Right-handed reliever Brian Bruney slipped and fell during an April 23 game in Chicago and injured the Lisfranc ligament on his right foot. Like Wang, Bruney was able to avoid surgery and is eyeing a possible return to Major League duty in late July.
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