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By Bridget Bowman Posted at 11 a.m. today

Smith has a word with the home plate umpire during the 2012 game. (Douglas Graham/Roll Call File Photo)

Rep. Adam Smith likely wont be playing in the upcomingRoll Call Congressional Baseball Game, due to hip problems.

I couldnt be able to play, I think, the Washington Democrat told CQ Roll in a brief interview in the Speakers Lobby. Major problem with my hip, unfortunately hips, plural. So I got one operated on and Im waiting for that one to heal before I get the second one operated on.

Smiths injuries are probably unwelcome news for his Democratic teammates. He has participated in all but one game since he first came to Congress in 1997, and is a solid fielder and hitter. In 2001, Smith was named the Democrats most valuable player.

Its disappointing, Smith said of sitting out this years game, but at this point Im looking forward to just being able to walk.

Smiths recent surgery involved completely reshaping his hip due to torn cartilage. He also suffers from bone spurs, bone growth in the wrong places and loose cartilage. He is clearly still in pain, laboring as he walks.

The Washington Democrat said he has not informed the Democrats coach, Rep. Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania, that he wont be playing this year.

With Mike, hes going to say, Well lets sit on it, Smith said. Maybe a miracle will come to pass, but I think for the most part Ill be physically unable to play for at least this year.

In a 2013 profile, Smith said Doyle was the reason he kept coming back to the team. But the coachs persistence might not be enough to bring Smith back to the plate this year.

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Democrat Adam Smith Likely Out of Congressional Baseball Game