Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus has undergone a battery of skin tests and other examinations to evaluate the effectiveness of antihistamines and other remedies aimed at counteracting airborne allergens that have affected his vision due to common allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis while playing in St. Louis.
While the specific offender has not been isolated, Glaus is being tested for reactions to a number of pollens common to the Central Mississippi Valley, including grasses, weeds and trees. Mites, dust and dander at his home is also suspect.
Though causes of Glaus' watering eyes are likely present not only in St. Louis but elsewhere, a preponderance of poplars, cedars, ragweed or other irritants in the old Busch Stadium area -- combined with prevailing winds and other atmospheric conditions -- have prevented Glaus keeping his eyes clear only during home games, particularly day games.
Look for the treatments to be effective within two or three days, if not sooner, and for Glaus' return to the lineup without impediment.
Doctor X -- the 'Baseball Medic' -- is an anonymous U.S. government trauma specialist with a Duke University sports medicine background and more than 20 years experience in emergency medicine. From time to time he considers MLB rumors, events and news reports as they pertain to baseball players' injuries, illnesses and various other disabilities, both on the field and off.
MLB Rumors editor Greg Fieg is a former sports news editor and award-winning writer whose bylines have appeared on the wires of the Associated Press and in numerous publications, including San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio Light, Houston Chronicle and Philadelphia Bulletin. He formerly was posted in various positions on the U.S.-Mexican border with Freedom Newspapers, and was a regular, independent contributor to United Press International.