The Boston Red Sox have placed outfielder Mookie Betts on the 7-day disabled list, used exclusively for players recovering from concussion like symptoms.
Betts exited Tuesday night’s game in the 6th inning after crashing through the right field wall attempting to rob Chicago’s Jose Abreu of a home run. Despite the spectacular effort, Betts was unable to hang on to the ball and the umpires ruled that the two-run homer would stand. While that would end up being a blow to the Red Sox on the scoreboard, it was nothing compared to the blow Betts took to the head when he landed on the other side of the fence.
Manager John Farrell revealed that it was clear Betts had a concussion and the timetable for his return was unknown, but he will be sidelined for at least a week.
Mookie Betts to the seven day concussion DL as anticipated. Farrell says JBJ will be the every day CFer. Betts time down undetermined
— Jason Mastrodonato (@JMastrodonato) July 29, 2015
The Red Sox have called up Jackie Bradley, Jr. to fill in and Farrell indicated he expects him to be the team’s everyday center fielder while Betts is out of action. Bradley has been lost at the plate in each of his previous stints in the big leagues, but he has been having a successful season in Pawtucket, hitting .305/.382/.472 in 71 games at the Triple-A level this season. Perhaps he will ride that momentum to Boston, especially if he’s getting consistent playing time for the next week or so.
"“This is an opportunity for Jackie,” Farrell told reporters prior to Wednesday’s game. “And for us to see him in game situations.“You see it in his swing path,” Farrell explained in regards to the differences in Bradley’s swing since last year. “And his performance in spring training is consistent with maybe closing up some of the holes that emerged last year. It’s been able to be carried over in Pawtucket and now it’s a matter of being able to do it against major league pitching.”"
The Red Sox also announced that Jemile Weeks has been designated for assignment in order to add Josh Rutledge, who was acquired from the Angels earlier this week for Shane Victorino. Rutledge will serve as infield depth on the roster, with experience playing second, third and shortstop.
Brock Holt returns to the lineup after sitting out the last two games with a knee injury. He has taken Betts’ spot at the top of the lineup and is playing second base.