The war of attrition that is baseball is starting to take it’s toll on the Boston Red Sox. As the body count mounts on the Red Sox DL and day-to-day list, the past week has started to feel a lot like 2012.
May 7, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher
David Ross(3) leaves the field with manager
John Farrelland a trainer after a collision with the wall trying to catch a foul ball during the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Both Boston closers, Joel Hanrahan (forearm strain) and Andrew Bailey (bicep inflammation) hit the DL, leaving manager John Farrell to start shuffling the back end of the bullpen. Hanrahan had an MRI today that, while revealing no structural damage to the elbow, did confirm a strain of the flexor mass where the tendon meets the joint. Bailey is scheduled to begin a light throwing program that may include a stint in the minors.
David Ross and Will Middlebrooks remain day-to-day after a collision with one another and the Fenway third base wall. Ross sustained a left quadriceps contusion while Middlebrooks, who hit the wall while making a spectacular grab, sustained what the Sox have called a “right side pain.” Middlebrooks, who had an MRI today that revealed nothing more than bruise, was reportedly trying to talk his way back into the lineup.
It will be especially important that Middlebrooks get back in the lineup as soon as possible. Boston has no other third baseman on the roster and Boston’s only minor league third baseman, Drew Sutton, just went on the 7 day DL.