The Associated Press reports that the driving factor behind the decision for Justin Morneau to miss the playoffs was a desire to avoid any serious long-term injury that could result from another blow to his head.
“I think the biggest thing the doctor said to me was, ’I’m confident you’ll get better, confident you’ll be ready for spring training, but if you go out there and get hit again I don’t want you to be feeling like this when you’re 50,” Morneau said. “That’s kind of what made me realize that there is the potential for this to carry on for a long time, and I think that’s definitely what we’re trying to avoid.”
That’s where the Twins were coming from, too.
“I think he understands it’s the right decision for his health and for his long-term career,” Smith said.