Ross Concussion Return Spotlights Salty and He’s Been Shining
After suffering his second concussion of the season David Ross was sent home to Florida to recuperate from his symptoms. Ross’s symptoms ran the full gamut from unsteadiness and headaches to disorientation when in large spaces where it’s loud and fast movements are required. It was an easy decision to keep Ross away from those exact conditions day after day.
Jun 11, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross (3) against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Boston Red Sox 8-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
June 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
There have been reports that his condition wold not allow him to return all year. The Red Sox are thinking differently lately. “He’s had three or four really good days consecutively here,” Sox manager John Farrell told mlb.com’s Ian Browne recently. “He’s still got next Tuesday as a follow up with Dr. Collins in Pittsburgh. His scheduled return for us is undecided right now. But he’s started to work out with some exercise on elliptical, stationary bike. He’s started to throw a little bit.
“He’s started to lift some weights. The sensations that he feels as a result of the concussion are starting to really diminish. Most importantly, when he gets into open-space areas where you’ve got a lot of movement and a lot of noise, that’s starting to really subside.”
Although Ross’ steady clubhouse presence has been missed, Jarrod Saltalamacchia has recently taken the team by the reigns. He’s calling sharper games, has been very durable and has thrown out attempted base stealers at a substantially higher percentage than either Ross or Ryan Lavarnway Offensively he’s putting together a decent season (.260/.329./.450/.780) and has had more timely hits than in 2012. I’m not ready to declare Salty for President but he’s surely a helluva lot more trustworthy than anyone currently working within the D.C. beltway.
When Slaty does need a break, Ryan Lavarnway has been a more stable substitute than in the past. Yes is it’s only been 22 at bats but a .318/.360/.455/.815 slash line is infinitely more inspiring that last year’s anemic .157/.211/.248./.459 numbers in 153 at bats in 2012. Lavarnway, of course, will need more at bats to see if he can maintain his current pace. But hasn’t almost everyone done what they’ve been asked when called up during this most improbable first half?