ANAHEIM — This afternoon, Johnny Giavotella explained his two-week absence from the Angels’ race for a playoff spot that had previously gone unexplained.
On Aug. 21, he awoke seeing double when looking left, making hitting impossible. Doctors examined him and worked their way through potential diagnoses. Multiple sclerosis was in play, then subsequently ruled out. Degenerative eye diseases were considered.
It was eventually determined he has developed fourth nerve palsy, also known as superior oblique palsy, which is known to cause double vision because of eye misalignment.
Giavotella can lift weights and run. He cannot stand in a batter’s box.