Former A’s outfielder Cristian Pache to have meniscus surgery originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
HOUSTON — Just as he was showing real signs of improvement at the plate and settling into his new role and team, Cristian Pache suffered a knee injury that will keep him out for some time.
Pache tore the meniscus in his right knee Friday night after hitting an RBI double off Astros lefty Framber Valdez. He slipped past the second base bag and immediately pointed to his knee, limping back. Pache was lifted from the game and replaced by Brandon Marsh, the Phillies’ regular center fielder.
Pache will require surgery, although no date has been set and the Phillies don’t yet have a firm timetable for his recovery. Manager Rob Thomson did say Saturday that he was hopeful Pache could return this season.
“I feel for him and for the club because he was really playing well, really improving,” Thomson said.
The Phillies acquired Pache from the Oakland A’s for minor-league reliever Billy Sullivan the day before the regular season began. He started 0 for 6 but went 9 for 19 since with three doubles and a homer. Sullivan, meanwhile, is currently stationed in Triple A with the Las Vegas Aviators.
Pache played one season in Oakland after coming over from the Atlanta Braves in the trade for Matt Olson. He struggled at the dish in his year with the A’s, hitting .166 with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 91 games.