BSI Reader Poll: Should Sox be worried about Victorino?
UPDATE: Victorino will have his back examined in Boston on Thursday.
When the Red Sox stampeded to their World Series title last season, Shane Victorino played a large role in getting them there. The Flyin’ Hawaiian hit .294 on the season, with 26 doubles, and 61 RBI’s, and his .351 OBP was something to be appreciated. This season however, has not been so kind to Victorino.
The veteran outfielder’s season has been plagued by injuries, causing him to miss 57 of the 78 games the Sox have played this season. Meanwhile, when on the field, Victorino’s contributions have been limited. Victorino was put on the DL with a hamstring injury just over a month ago, and has yet to make his return to the MLB roster. It appears he has been unable to escape the injury, possibly due to the medicine he uses battle through ADHD, which can cause dehydration, and therefore allow him to be more susceptible to muscle pulls.
Victorino’s date of return to the Red Sox’ roster is a bit foggy, as the 33-year-old continued his rehab assignment last night by going 0-4 with a strikeout with Triple-A Pawtucket. In doing so, Victorino only played six innings, and hasn’t played a full nine yet in his rehab assignment, something that will need to happen before the Red Sox even consider bringing him back up. In total, Victorino has yet to get a hit in 13 at-bats in five minor league rehab games.
The lingering injuries have gotten on Victorino’s nerves. Shane, a tough player, doesn’t want to be known as a high-maintenance player.
"“That’s the last thing I want to be known as,” he said. “And that’s the part, I’ve never been like that. And that’s why I say it’s frustrating, because there’s not an answer. Prior years have I gone on the DL? Yes, but two weeks and I’m back. It’s never been like linger, linger, linger. In fact, my wife said the other day, ‘Dude, how long has it been?’ I said, ‘Hon, it’s been almost a month.’ She said, ‘Yeah I thought these two weeks were long. So when your own significant other says that to you, she’s not accustomed to this.”"
So what do you think… should the Red Sox be worried about Shane Victorino, or is he just going through a rough patch, like David Ortiz did in the minors last season?
quote via nesn.com