MASH Unit: Two more Sox fall down, go boom
The Guru
Contributing Writer
Add a couple more names to the growing list of the battered and the broken.
Red Sox catcher David Ross (left quad) and third baseman Will Middlebrooks (right side) both left Tuesday night’s 6-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins after colliding near the visitors dugout. Both are described as day-to-day. Not sure why, but I had a Beltre/Ellsbury flashback.
Ross, who limped off the field a batter later, is hitting .237 with four homers. If he is going to miss any significant time the Sox will call up Ryan Lavarnway, who is hitting .328 at Triple A Pawtucket. Don't expect to see Mike Napoli behind the plate anytime soon. It was OF/1B Mike Carp warming pitchers in the bullpen last night.
While Middlebrooks initially remained in the game, he was replaced at third base in the top of the seventh by Pedro Ciriaco. The loss of Middlebrooks proved costly in the eighth when Ciriaco made two errors that led to two unearned runs and the Twins breaking the game open.
After the game, manager John Farrell said Middlebrooks will get a CT scan and X-ray for what was described as "right side pain." WebMd describes right side pain as "pain in the side opposite the left." I describe right side pain as Pedro Ciriaco at third base.
Middlebrooks was 0-for-2 with a strikeout. He is hitting .192 with six homers and may benefit from a couple days off.
Earlier Tuesday, the Red Sox placed closer Joel Hanrahan on the 15 day DL with a strained right forearm. He left Monday night’s 11-inning, 6-5 win over the Twins in the ninth inning. This is Hanrahan's second go-round as he was on the DL from April 14-29 with a strained right hamstring. Sox fans expectations have fallen to Eric Gagne levels.
Andrew Bailey, the closer who replaced the closer that replaced him, was placed on the 15 day DL on Monday with a strained right bicep.
What's with the Sox and biceps? John Lackey had a bicep problem, Jackie Bradley Jr was placed on the DL in Pawtucket Monday with a bicep problem and now Bailey. If it had been old
Pitcher Franklin Morales, out since spring training with a bulging disc in his back, is scheduled to make his second rehab start tonight at Double A Portland. Franklin, may I recommend Jay's Oyster Bar for some fine late night grub. Morales is expected to return by mid May. The Sox pen could use him.
Outfielder Ryan Kalish is recovering after off season shoulder surgery. He may be back sometime in July or August or 2022.
The list of walking wounded is increasing by the day. Injuries happen to every team. Just ask the New York Yankees. However, it is how the team responds that truly tests a team's character and a fans patience.
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