March 13: General manager Mike Elias addressed Mancini’s surgery today (Twitter link via MLB.com’s Joe Trezza), telling Orioles reporters: “[Mancini is] at about as positive as possible in terms of his spirits and physical feeling right now.” Additional information and updates will be available in the days to come.
March 12: Trey Mancini left the Orioles’ spring camp last week in preparation for an undisclosed medical procedure that wasn’t related to baseball. Today, details have emerged on the nature of Mancini’s issue, as the Orioles issued a press release saying that a malignant tumor was discovered in Mancini’s colon during a colonoscopy last week. Mancini underwent surgery today to have the tumor removed, and as per the team’s statement, “lab results and the timetable for Trey’s recovery will not be known until next week.”
Mancini himself made a statement within the Orioles’ release, saying “The outpouring of love and support I have received has made an extremely tough week so much better. I have the best family, friends, fans, and teammates imaginable. I am also eternally thankful for the Orioles front office, our athletic trainers, and the entire medical staff for everything they have done to help me during this time. Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and kind words, which have furthered my excitement to get back to playing the game I love.”
Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde said last week that Mancini would “miss some time” recovering, which seemed to imply that Mancini would miss some regular season action. That is probably a moot point in light of Major League Baseball’s announcement that that Opening Day will be delayed by at least two weeks, though regardless, baseball concerns were already a far distant second to Mancini’s health and well-being.
In three full seasons in the majors, Mancini (who turns 28 later this week) has blossomed into the Orioles’ top hitter, batting .291/.364/.535 with 35 homers over 679 plate appearances in 2019. Between this production and the fact that the O’s are in a rebuild, there was speculation that Mancini could be both an extension candidate and a trade candidate this offseason, though no news on either front emerged.
We at MLBTR wish Mancini all the best in his recovery, as he and his family and loved ones navigate this difficult situation.
Wow as a cancer survivor myself (that at the time was a total shock – as a result of a routine test) I’m sure that was a shock for Mancini and glad to hear that he’s had it successfully removed and wish him the best in his recovery!
Can sort of relate. My wife had her cancer discovered during a routine pre op test for something minor. Cancer sucks. Glad you made it through ok and pray that you do not have it return. My wife unfortunately had something very rare and not a lot know how to treat it yet. She did not make it through.
seems like a stand-up guy. hope all works out well for him. get well soon Trey
Cancer sucks no matter the type. I would not wish it even on my worst enemy. Prayers for strength for you and your family as you go through the treatment phase Trey. It can be a very hard journey. May you make it through your journey to be counted as a survivor.
Humor is the best cure. My dad came back from stage 4 prostate cancer and has been cancer free for 4 years. In all honedty, I hope Mangini a full recovery, a long life, and many more years of getting to play baseball at the highest level. Sorry if anyone disapproves of my dark humor, but my dad always said it was what got him through the tough days.