Oh. I thought of another pearl I've learned along the way. Insurance companies often will decline to cover the cost of MRI or make you jump through "prior authorization" documentation hoops or make you get a CT first. That is probably why your doctor didn't order a CT or MRI off the bat (no pun intended). Remember that you can always just "cash pay" for the MRI and bypass insurance entirely. The cash price is around $400-450 and it will not apply towards your deductible or maximum out of pocket but it removes a hassle and delay factor if you run into it.
Also, remember that surgeons get paid to do surgery. The first guy we saw was all about doing surgery; no other options. Turns out there were options. Be as informed as possible.
Also, while he is down, don't let him forget that studies have shown that visualization practice is almost, if not, as effective as real hitting and fielding. If he can make himself visualize hitting and fielding in ideal fashion for 30 minutes a day, when he returns to sport he'll be ahead of the game.