Red Sox Notes: Week of March 14
By Brian Phair
As St. Patrick’s day has come and gone and the NCAA March Madness tourney has begun, there have been a few story lines for the Red Sox that have gotten overlooked or are worth repeating. Red Sox Notes is a new series that will be a weekly recap of news, transactions and injuries to keep everyone up-to-date with the latest information.
Injuries
Jed Lowrie
The illness story of the week has been Jed Lowrie’s diagnosis of mononucleosis. His energy level is low and he will only be able to workout on occasion when he is feeling up to it. This is difficult news for the young SS, because he was feeling much better after wrist surgery back in 2008. Bill Hall will likely be the back-up to Marco Scutaro until Lowrie is back 100%, but if Scutaro were to get injured, the team may have to go in a different direction for a longer-term solution.
Gil Velazquez
According to Amalie Benjamin of Boston.com, Gil Velaquez will be out 6 weeks after he broke a bone in his thumb when he jammed it on Tuesday. This puts the Sox in a tough spot, with Lowrie and Velaquez not available, placing Bill Hall in the primary SS back-up role and the need to call-up another middle-infielder temporarily. Might we see some more of Jose Iglesias? I certainly hope so, because he is a fun player to watch.
Jacoby Ellsbury
After spending a few days with flu-like symptoms, Ellsbury is feeling significantly better and will be able to resume workouts shortly. We may see Ellsbury return to the lineup as early as this weekend. Ellsbury only missed a few games, not significantly delaying his progress this Spring.
Transactions
Miguel Celestino
It was announced this week that the Sox received RHP Miguel Celestino to finally complete the Casey Kotchman for Bill Hall trade. Celestino was the player to be named later in the deal from the Seattle Mariners. Celestino is a 6’6″, 205 lb 20-year old from the Dominican Republic. He has had experience starting and pitching in relief in his brief career.
Dustin Richardson
The Red Sox sent Dustin Richardson to the minors in their continued effort to shrink the roster in preparation for opening day in a few weeks. Richardson being sent down was no surprise, because in his 2 appearances and 1.2 innings this Spring, he has allowed 3 ERs on 5 hits and walked 3. If the Red Sox are in need of a lefty later in the year, Richardson may be given another chance to be a specialist for a batter or two on occasion.
News
Ryan Westmoreland
By far the biggest and most gut-wrenching story of Spring Training is that of Ryan Westmoreland. The discovery of a malformation in his brain was shocking and prompted brain surgery for the young outfielder on Tuesday. The surgery was successful, but it is still way to early to determine how his recovery will progress. It will be a long road to recovery for this 19-year old Rhode Island native. We wish him well in his recovery and look forward to seeing him back at 100% health.