What's wrong with Adam LaRoche?

[Aa3rt]

Much as I like the guy, Adam LaRoche's BA is in free fall, hitting .172 after last night's (May 20th) game. I read some on line reference saying that he's playing hurt but no mention was made of what's ailing him.

EDIT: I realize that LaRoche is a notoriously "slow starter" but we're already a quarter of the way through the season, with no improvement.

I'll admit that I never really paid much attention to him before he joined the Nationals roster-has he always used that stiff appearing batting stance?

[BigRon]

I haven't seen LaRoche much this season-only a couple of games in Pittsburgh. He struggled a lot in the first half of the season his years in Pittsburgh- sometimes April, sometimes May. In recent years he's hit better in the second half, sometimes much better. I really don't know what causes it, or if he has some other problems this year. I will say that he has a really big swing- not compact. There seem to be some holes that pitchers can exploit. That said, I always liked Adam and thought he'd do better than he has. He has good power, can hit the ball in the gap too. He's a really good defensive first baseman. Four years ago I thought he'd be a consistent .280, 30 homer guy playing at PNC. I was wrong, though. If he doesn't do it soon he's probably not going to do it.

[Aa3rt]

Form the Washington Nationals website, an article that states the Adam LaRoche was diagnosed with a torn labrum in spring training and is now seeking a second opinion as he believes it's affecting his swing:

News on Adam LaRoche's shoulder problems