Galarraga: Cancer Nearly Beaten

June 21, 1999 / 7:53 PM EDT / AP

Atlanta Braves first baseman Andres Galarraga said Monday he's almost won his battle with cancer and he expects to start working out by September.

Galarraga, 38, said radiation treatments have destroyed 98 percent of the tumor, which had been pressing against his spine's third vertebra.

Â"I feel very good,Â" Galarraga said during a news conference. Â"It was very difficult, but thank God I am here in Venezuela.Â"

He said his radiation treatments will be over in July and he should be training with the Braves as early as late August. He probably won't play in games until next season

Galarraga's face was puffy and his hair was short and thin. He said his bones, weakened by radiation, will not be ready for intense weight training for several months.

Â"The doctors have recommended that I don't take any batting practice so that I can avoid breaking a bone,Â" Galarraga said.

Galarraga had back pain throughout last season, which caused him to miss several games, including the All-Star game. He was the Braves' top hitter last season with a .305 average, 44 homers and 121 RBIs.