With Victorino Possibly Headed to DL What Options Do The Sox Have?

For going on a week Shane Victorino has been in and out – mostly out – of Boston’s lineup with back stiffness. He has received treatment and although it is improving, every time he resumes normal baseball activities, it tightens up again.

Apr 16, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino (18) wipes his face before a game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. A Red Sox jersey with the Boston area code was hung in the dugout along with a note from a Cleveland fan. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Manager John Farrell has said he wants to give the situation a chance to work itself out through Boston’s off day on Monday. If Victorino doesn’t come around by then he’ll likely head to the disabled list. The ironic twist in all of this is that if he does go on the DL, Boston’s only available outfielder on the 40 man roster is Jackie Bradley, Jr. Alex Hassan is out of Triple A Pawtucket’s lineup with a calf stain.

Boston can also exercise an option for any outfielder not on the 40-man roster but they’d have to make a move with another player to make room for them. Franklin Moralez, who recently strained a pectoral and has been shut down, might be a DL option for say Bryce Brentz or Jeremy Hazelbaker. Both Brentz and Hazelbaker are righties. Boston has a lefty option with Justin Henry, also on the Pawtucket triple A team.

With the exception of the 27-year old Henry, the Sox would want regular playing time for the other younger potential call-ups.

The left-handed hitting Hazelbaker has been crushing right handed pitching (.388) this season but is struggling against lefties (.158). Brentz, a righty, is much the same story, although he has gotten off to a slower start this year than last, Brentz is hitting .304 against righties but is batting just .167 against lefties.