As the Red Sox wind down toward the end of a disappointing season, injuries have caught up with a few of the major stars of the team. Here is where we stand going into tomorrow’s off-day on Koji Uehara, Pablo Sandoval, and Hanley Ramirez
Uehara
Koji has had another great season at age 40. He has a 2.23 ERA and 25 saves on the season. He has been on a run of 17.1 innings and one earned run on seven hits allowed. Bad luck caught up with him at the end of Friday night’s game. With two out in the ninth, Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler lined a ball up the middle that seemed about to put the Tigers two runs closer when Koji threw out his hand to block the ball. It struck him flush on the wrist but he slowed it enough to recover and fetch the ball and throw to first for the final out.
X-rays were negative on Uehara, but he has spent the past two days in a splint. Swelling persisted today so he was sent back to Boston for further tests. It seems unlikely he will go to Miami since the Red Sox only have two games there. Since Uehara is unavailable and Masterson was DFA’d, expect a new pitcher on the roster for Tuesday’s Miami game. A trip to the disabled list is a possibility depending on the outcome further medical exams and treatment.
Sandoval
The Panda’s ailment is an accumulation of bumps and bruises to his left thumb which have accumulated over this difficult season in which the rotund third baseman’s production has suffered on both sides of the ball. He seems almost certain to set a career low in RBI as he has only 35 now, to go along with a career low nine homers. Sandoval’s previous RBI low for a season was 63. The lack of urgency in the standings and a desire to see younger players in the lineup means there is no need to rush him back if he is hurting. Sandoval is one for his last 11, dropping his season average to .257/.305/.383, including 0-fer five last night, with two strikeouts. After giving Sandoval the day off today, plus the off-day tomorrow Manager John Farrell expects the Panda to be in the lineup Tuesday in Miami.
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Ramirez
The big left fielder has been fouling balls off his lower legs and feet all season, which has caused him to miss games a couple at a time throughout the season. Along with an injury from running into the side wall in early May after a tremendous April (10 homers), Hanley has been beat up throughout the year leading to an off year (19 homers and 53 RBI) by his high standards.
Aug 7, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell (53) checks on Hanley Ramirez (13) after he fouls the ball off his foot against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The body part in question this time was his left ankle off which he pounded a foul ball in the batter’s box on Friday night. He exited the game early Friday night and has sat out the last two games. The Red Sox plan on Hanley’s return to the lineup also in Miami on Tuesday. He seems to be happy to be returning to Miami.
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