Flores has torn labrum

Just when it looked like Jesus Flores was recovering from a broken clavicle, another injury to his right shoulder now threatens the Nationals catcher's availability for the start of the 2010 season.

Flores has a torn labrum, tests revealed this week, and will undergo surgery tomorrow in Birmingham, Ala., to repair it. General manager Mike Rizzo said the timetable for recovery is three to six months, so the franchise's starting catcher may not be ready for the start of spring training.

Rizzo said this injury is not directly related to the broken clavicle Flores suffered May 9 when he took a foul ball off his shoulder blade, though it did crop up during his rehabilitation from that ailment. Flores began complaining about a month ago of shoulder pain, though an MRI taken Aug. 12 revealed no tears.

"The experts don't think it's related to the [broken clavicle]," Rizzo said.

Still unable to throw without discomfort, though, he flew back to Washington to receive an enhanced MRI, which revealed a "SLAP" tear. Orthopedist James Andrews will perform surgery tomorrow.