Even if Oakley avoids surgery, the Knicks must hope that the injury does not diminish his performance.

Cohen had been saying earlier that he thought Edmonds's injuries had diminished his power, but the center fielder whacked a home run to tie the score at 4-4.

Age and injuries have diminished the offensive line, so the Eagles spent three of their first eight draft picks on offensive linemen.

Nick Wall continued to race successfully but a serious injury sustained in a 1945 race diminished his riding skills.

Krone returned to racing in 1997 and rode well at Monmouth Park, but by 1999 she decided that injuries had diminished her skills and eroded her determination.

But injuries and the good life have diminished Philippoussis, a former Open and Wimbledon finalist.

The injury caused him to miss almost the entire season, and subsequently diminished his defensive range as well as his stolen base output for the remainder of his career.

Two years ago, Garciaparra, the Cubs infielder, would have qualified as a megawatt star at the winter meetings, but injuries have diminished his market value.

Iginla fell back to 67 points in 2002-03 as injuries, including a lingering finger dislocation following a fight, diminished his play.

Like the rest of the Pistons, he did not have much use for statistics or suggestions that injuries diminished their accomplishment last year.