Mancini has malignant tumor removed from colon

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles announced this afternoon that outfielder Trey Mancini underwent "successful" surgery earlier today to remove a malignant tumor from his colon.

The tumor was discovered last week during a colonoscopy. The team's statement also said lab results and the timetable for his recovery won't be known until next week.

"The outpouring of love and support I have received has made an extremely tough week so much better," Mancini, 27, said in the statement. "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."

Mancini left the club last weekend, the only information provided involving how he needed to undergo a non-baseball medical procedure. Teammates expressed their concerns and offered support.

"We are doing everything in our power to ensure Trey recovers fully, and we can't wait to see him back on the field as soon as possible," executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias said in the statement.

Mancini wasn't expected to be on the opening day roster due to his medical condition, but Major League Baseball announced today that the season has been pushed back at least two weeks.

The Orioles aren't focusing on right field as much as the player whose trying to get back to it.

"I feel like I can speak for the whole team when I say we all want him back, we all want him with us," said outfielder Mason Williams. "None of us want the things that are going on. Whatever's going on, we just want him here with us and be able to get back as soon as he can and healthy and help us win games."

Today's update might explain why Mancini couldn't shake an illness that limited him to five exhibition games, the last on March 2, when he received two at-bats. He's also been held out of workouts with what have been described as flu-like symptoms.

Mancini has emerged as arguably the face of the franchise and certainly one of its most popular players. He's coming off a season when he batted .291/.364/.535 with 38 doubles, two triples, 35 home runs and 97 RBIs.