Hessman's pre-cancerous growths removed

Mike Hessman was kept out of Triple-A Toledo's lineup Monday after a local doctor removed pre-cancerous growths from his nose and forehead earlier in the day, according to the Toledo Blade.

"In Spring Training, the doctors told me to have it looked at, because it might be the start of skin cancer," Hessman told the Blade. "I had the appointment last Friday, and after taking a sample the doctor said it was the start of skin cancer."

Hessman said the lesion was removed from his nose and a spot was taken from his forehead.

"The doctor said they got all of the cancer," he told the Blade.

The 36-year-old first baseman is currently tied for the International League home run record with 258 career blasts with Toledo, Buffalo, Louisville and Richmond. He has 403 homers over 18 Minor League seasons after being a 15th-round Atlanta Braves Draft pick in 1996.

Hessman told the Blade he expected to return to the lineup for Toledo on Tuesday when the team starts a four-game series at Buffalo.