Red Sox: Jeremy Hermida
Help is on the way for the beleaguered Red Sox when rosters expand on Wednesday, but not from Jeremy Hermida.
The Sox said after Tuesday's listless loss at Baltimore that they had released Hermida, acquired this past offseason from Florida. Hermida had been playing in Pawtucket after being designated for assignment a month ago to make room for Ryan Kalish. In 19 games with the PawSox, Hermida hit .288 with two homers and 12 RBIs.
When the Red Sox acquired the former first-round selection from the Marlins last winter, GM Theo Epstein thought Boston would reap the benefits of his untapped abilities. Unfortunately, Hermida suffered fractured ribs in a collision with third baseman Adrian Beltre in early June and spent more than a month on the DL.
He hit only .203 with five homers and 27 RBIs with Boston.
On the plus side, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Eric Patterson, who were both in Baltimore on Tuesday, will be activated for Wednesday's game, and Epstein mentioned there could be one more new arrival. Other call-ups, he said, may come after Pawtucket finishes its season.
The Sox said after Tuesday's listless loss at Baltimore that they had released Hermida, acquired this past offseason from Florida. Hermida had been playing in Pawtucket after being designated for assignment a month ago to make room for Ryan Kalish. In 19 games with the PawSox, Hermida hit .288 with two homers and 12 RBIs.
When the Red Sox acquired the former first-round selection from the Marlins last winter, GM Theo Epstein thought Boston would reap the benefits of his untapped abilities. Unfortunately, Hermida suffered fractured ribs in a collision with third baseman Adrian Beltre in early June and spent more than a month on the DL.
He hit only .203 with five homers and 27 RBIs with Boston.
On the plus side, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Eric Patterson, who were both in Baltimore on Tuesday, will be activated for Wednesday's game, and Epstein mentioned there could be one more new arrival. Other call-ups, he said, may come after Pawtucket finishes its season.
BOSTON -- Ryan Kalish began his Saturday morning on a bus in Toledo, Ohio, with the rest of his Pawtucket Red Sox teammates.
The PawSox were traveling back to Rhode Island, and after two separate flights, the club finally arrived at McCoy Stadium at approximately 2:30 p.m. As he was getting off the bus at the ballpark, Pawtucket manager Torey Lovullo called Kalish over and told him he was being promoted to the majors.
“I was so tired and my head was fuzzy when he called me over,” said Kalish. “When my manager, Torey Lovullo, told me, I was like, ‘Wow. This is insane.’ I’m just going to have some fun and keep it going hopefully.”
It didn’t take long for the 22-year-old outfielder to realize he had actually made it to the big leagues. He quickly made his way to Fenway Park and was thrust into the lineup, batting eighth and playing left field.
The organization thinks so highly of Kalish's ability, the Red Sox designated outfielder Jeremy Hermida for assignment to make room for him.
He didn’t disappoint in his debut.
Kalish got a hit in his first major league at-bat in the third inning when he lined a shot to right field off Tigers starter Max Scherzer. Kalish finished the day 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.
“Incredible. This is what you dream of as a kid. This is what I’ve always wanted to do. This is it,” Kalish said after the Red Sox won 5-4 in dramatic fashion by way of a three-run walk-off double by David Ortiz in the bottom of the ninth.
“It’s like any other thing, you have to keep it even keeled out there and you’re trying to help the team win,” said Kalish. “I was seeing the ball pretty well. He threw me a changeup over the plate and I just took a good swing at it and it went through the hole.”
When he reached first base, the 37,498 fans in attendance gave him a Fenway Park welcome with a standing ovation.
“Oh, man. It’s special,” Kalish said. “To get that from these fans, and they’re so faithful, and hopefully we can give them some more wins and I can be a part of that.”
He got the ball from his first hit and Red Sox manager Terry Francona gave him the scorecard too.
“It’s all about winning here and that’s what I want to do,” Kalish said. “It’s a pretty special day.”
After the game, Francona said Kalish made a good first impression.
“It was a pretty exciting day for the organization,” said Francona. “It was good the way he swung the bat, but what a kid. I think it’s a pretty big compliment to him that we feel he can come up right smack in the middle of our season and give us a boost. He’s almost like Trot Nixon. He looks like him, plays like him. He’s gonna be fun to watch grow into a really good player.”
The PawSox were traveling back to Rhode Island, and after two separate flights, the club finally arrived at McCoy Stadium at approximately 2:30 p.m. As he was getting off the bus at the ballpark, Pawtucket manager Torey Lovullo called Kalish over and told him he was being promoted to the majors.
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Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox/Getty ImagesRyan Kalish went from Toledo to Fenway Park on Saturday, then got a hit in his first big league at-bat.
Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox/Getty ImagesRyan Kalish went from Toledo to Fenway Park on Saturday, then got a hit in his first big league at-bat.“I was so tired and my head was fuzzy when he called me over,” said Kalish. “When my manager, Torey Lovullo, told me, I was like, ‘Wow. This is insane.’ I’m just going to have some fun and keep it going hopefully.”
It didn’t take long for the 22-year-old outfielder to realize he had actually made it to the big leagues. He quickly made his way to Fenway Park and was thrust into the lineup, batting eighth and playing left field.
The organization thinks so highly of Kalish's ability, the Red Sox designated outfielder Jeremy Hermida for assignment to make room for him.
He didn’t disappoint in his debut.
Kalish got a hit in his first major league at-bat in the third inning when he lined a shot to right field off Tigers starter Max Scherzer. Kalish finished the day 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.
“Incredible. This is what you dream of as a kid. This is what I’ve always wanted to do. This is it,” Kalish said after the Red Sox won 5-4 in dramatic fashion by way of a three-run walk-off double by David Ortiz in the bottom of the ninth.
“It’s like any other thing, you have to keep it even keeled out there and you’re trying to help the team win,” said Kalish. “I was seeing the ball pretty well. He threw me a changeup over the plate and I just took a good swing at it and it went through the hole.”
When he reached first base, the 37,498 fans in attendance gave him a Fenway Park welcome with a standing ovation.
“Oh, man. It’s special,” Kalish said. “To get that from these fans, and they’re so faithful, and hopefully we can give them some more wins and I can be a part of that.”
He got the ball from his first hit and Red Sox manager Terry Francona gave him the scorecard too.
“It’s all about winning here and that’s what I want to do,” Kalish said. “It’s a pretty special day.”
After the game, Francona said Kalish made a good first impression.
“It was a pretty exciting day for the organization,” said Francona. “It was good the way he swung the bat, but what a kid. I think it’s a pretty big compliment to him that we feel he can come up right smack in the middle of our season and give us a boost. He’s almost like Trot Nixon. He looks like him, plays like him. He’s gonna be fun to watch grow into a really good player.”
BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox made a couple of moves on deadline day, trading Ramon Ramirez to the San Francisco Giants and designating outfielder Jeremy Hermida for assignment.
To take Hermida’s spot on the roster, the Red Sox promoted 22-year-old prospect Ryan Kalish from Triple-A Pawtucket and immediately inserted him into today’s lineup, hitting eighth. Hermida had been penciled into the original lineup.
Kalish, who will wear No. 55, was hitting .294 in 37 games for Triple-A Pawtucket, with 5 homers, 18 RBIs, 22 runs scored and 12 stolen bases. Prior to being promoted earlier this season, he hit .293 with 8 homers, 29 RBIs, 35 runs scored and 13 stolen bases in 41 games for Double-A Portland.
It was immediately unclear what the Red Sox got from the Giants in return for Ramirez, who was 0-3 with a 4.46 ERA in 44 appearances this season. To take his spot, the Red Sox have promoted reliever Dustin Richardson.
Richardson’s stint in Boston could be a short one, as the team announced earlier in the afternoon their plan to convert lefty prospect Felix Doubront from a starter to a reliever. The team also could call up converted starter Michael Bowden in the Pawtucket bullpen.
Hermida, who was acquired from Florida via trade over the winter, struggled during his short time in Boston. He missed significant time with a rib injury and hit only .203 with 5 homers and 27 RBIs in limited time. The Red Sox now have 10 days to either trade or release him.
Richardson was promoted to Boston on June 12 and appeared in 13 games for Boston with a 2.57 ERA. He was optioned back to Pawtucket on July 21.
ESPNBoston.com's Joe McDonald contributed to this report.
To take Hermida’s spot on the roster, the Red Sox promoted 22-year-old prospect Ryan Kalish from Triple-A Pawtucket and immediately inserted him into today’s lineup, hitting eighth. Hermida had been penciled into the original lineup.
Kalish, who will wear No. 55, was hitting .294 in 37 games for Triple-A Pawtucket, with 5 homers, 18 RBIs, 22 runs scored and 12 stolen bases. Prior to being promoted earlier this season, he hit .293 with 8 homers, 29 RBIs, 35 runs scored and 13 stolen bases in 41 games for Double-A Portland.
It was immediately unclear what the Red Sox got from the Giants in return for Ramirez, who was 0-3 with a 4.46 ERA in 44 appearances this season. To take his spot, the Red Sox have promoted reliever Dustin Richardson.
Richardson’s stint in Boston could be a short one, as the team announced earlier in the afternoon their plan to convert lefty prospect Felix Doubront from a starter to a reliever. The team also could call up converted starter Michael Bowden in the Pawtucket bullpen.
Hermida, who was acquired from Florida via trade over the winter, struggled during his short time in Boston. He missed significant time with a rib injury and hit only .203 with 5 homers and 27 RBIs in limited time. The Red Sox now have 10 days to either trade or release him.
Richardson was promoted to Boston on June 12 and appeared in 13 games for Boston with a 2.57 ERA. He was optioned back to Pawtucket on July 21.
ESPNBoston.com's Joe McDonald contributed to this report.
Hermida designated for assignment
July, 31, 2010
7/31/10
3:50
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON -- The Red Sox made at least one move on trade deadline day, designating outfielder Jeremy Hermida for assignment and promoting outfield prospect Ryan Kalish from Triple-A Pawtucket.
The 22-year-old Kalish, who will wear No. 55, was immediately inserted into the starting lineup, batting eighth. Hermida had been penciled into the lineup originally.
Kalish was hitting .294 in 37 games for Triple-A Pawtucket, with 5 homers, 18 RBIs, 22 runs scored and 12 stolen bases. Prior to being promoted earlier this season, he hit .293 with 8 homers, 29 RBIs, 35 runs scored and 13 stolen bases in 41 games for Double-A Portland.
A source also said reliever Dustin Richardson was on his way to Fenway Park, but it was unclear whether he would be activated.
More on this to come ...
The 22-year-old Kalish, who will wear No. 55, was immediately inserted into the starting lineup, batting eighth. Hermida had been penciled into the lineup originally.
Kalish was hitting .294 in 37 games for Triple-A Pawtucket, with 5 homers, 18 RBIs, 22 runs scored and 12 stolen bases. Prior to being promoted earlier this season, he hit .293 with 8 homers, 29 RBIs, 35 runs scored and 13 stolen bases in 41 games for Double-A Portland.
A source also said reliever Dustin Richardson was on his way to Fenway Park, but it was unclear whether he would be activated.
More on this to come ...
OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Boston Red Sox needed to make a few roster moves today in order to activate pitcher Clay Buchholz and infielder Jed Lowrie from the disabled list. As a result, first baseman Ryan Shealy was designated for assignment and lefty reliever Dustin Richardson was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.
* Richardson impressed during his latest stint in Boston, including a big strikeout he recorded in a tie game with two runners on in the bottom of the 10th inning against the A’s on Tuesday.
“He’s not scared. He wants the ball,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “That was a big situation [Tuesday] night. We knew he was going back to Triple-A but we were still going to use him. We like him. Sometimes you have to make a move organizationally, but there’s a lot to like.”
Francona likes the finish on the southpaw’s fastball and the fact that he competes and is athletic. The only thing Richardson needs to define is repetition with his delivery.
"When John Farrell likes a guy, I keep my eyes open because he’s not wrong too often,” Francona said. “It’s nice having a second lefty because it really helps with [Hideki] Okajima, but sometimes if you try to keep a second lefty, you’ll mess something else up so we’ll go with one.”
* Lowrie’s much-needed presence will allow Francona to give shortstop Marco Scutaro a day off time and again. Plus, Lowrie can play second and was actually taking grounders at first base on Tuesday afternoon.
“He’s taken ground balls over there before, but he’s never played a game there,” Francona said. “We’re not going to pinch-hit or pinch-run for Youk, but if something happens we’ll need someone to go over there.”
With second baseman Dustin Pedroia on the DL with a fractured left foot, Bill Hall has been playing the right side of the infield. Both Lowrie and Hall can play first base, if needed.
“Jed’s a guy we would put over there, so we just want to get him some grounders and get him as comfortable as possible. He’s not going to be a first baseman, we just want to cover ourselves in case something happens.”
“When a team is banged up, having versatility is really important,” added Francona. “That’s the thing we have right now.”
* Red Sox catcher Victor Martinez (thumb) hit in the cage for the second consecutive day and the next step will be using his glove and testing how much velocity he can handle on the impact.
“That’s the next big step,” Francona said. “He’s taking big strides. Once that comes, there’s not a whole lot left. Then he’ll have to start catching pitchers, which is different, too, but once he’s able to catch the ball without a lot of concern, it shouldn’t be a whole lot longer.”
There’s a strong possibility Martinez could return to the lineup later on this three-city road trip when the club is in Anaheim, beginning Monday.
* Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury has been hitting off the pitching machine in the cage in Fort Myers, Fla., but he hasn’t participated in real intense baseball activities, according to the manager.
“He’s not there, yet,” Francona said. “The intensity is not to a point where he could play in a game.”
* Outfielder Jeremy Hermida will meet the team later tonight in Seattle and the club will have to make another roster move, which means Daniel Nava could be optioned back to Pawtucket.
“Hopefully [Hermida] will be ready to go tomorrow,” Francona said.
* Richardson impressed during his latest stint in Boston, including a big strikeout he recorded in a tie game with two runners on in the bottom of the 10th inning against the A’s on Tuesday.
“He’s not scared. He wants the ball,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “That was a big situation [Tuesday] night. We knew he was going back to Triple-A but we were still going to use him. We like him. Sometimes you have to make a move organizationally, but there’s a lot to like.”
Francona likes the finish on the southpaw’s fastball and the fact that he competes and is athletic. The only thing Richardson needs to define is repetition with his delivery.
"When John Farrell likes a guy, I keep my eyes open because he’s not wrong too often,” Francona said. “It’s nice having a second lefty because it really helps with [Hideki] Okajima, but sometimes if you try to keep a second lefty, you’ll mess something else up so we’ll go with one.”
* Lowrie’s much-needed presence will allow Francona to give shortstop Marco Scutaro a day off time and again. Plus, Lowrie can play second and was actually taking grounders at first base on Tuesday afternoon.
“He’s taken ground balls over there before, but he’s never played a game there,” Francona said. “We’re not going to pinch-hit or pinch-run for Youk, but if something happens we’ll need someone to go over there.”
With second baseman Dustin Pedroia on the DL with a fractured left foot, Bill Hall has been playing the right side of the infield. Both Lowrie and Hall can play first base, if needed.
“Jed’s a guy we would put over there, so we just want to get him some grounders and get him as comfortable as possible. He’s not going to be a first baseman, we just want to cover ourselves in case something happens.”
“When a team is banged up, having versatility is really important,” added Francona. “That’s the thing we have right now.”
* Red Sox catcher Victor Martinez (thumb) hit in the cage for the second consecutive day and the next step will be using his glove and testing how much velocity he can handle on the impact.
“That’s the next big step,” Francona said. “He’s taking big strides. Once that comes, there’s not a whole lot left. Then he’ll have to start catching pitchers, which is different, too, but once he’s able to catch the ball without a lot of concern, it shouldn’t be a whole lot longer.”
There’s a strong possibility Martinez could return to the lineup later on this three-city road trip when the club is in Anaheim, beginning Monday.
* Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury has been hitting off the pitching machine in the cage in Fort Myers, Fla., but he hasn’t participated in real intense baseball activities, according to the manager.
“He’s not there, yet,” Francona said. “The intensity is not to a point where he could play in a game.”
* Outfielder Jeremy Hermida will meet the team later tonight in Seattle and the club will have to make another roster move, which means Daniel Nava could be optioned back to Pawtucket.
“Hopefully [Hermida] will be ready to go tomorrow,” Francona said.
BOSTON -- Less than 24 hours later and Red Sox manager Terry Francona still couldn’t believe Friday’s game lasted just over two hours.
The official time of the game was 2:07 and it ended in a 3-2 victory over the Orioles. When Francona met with the local media this afternoon, a beat writer jokingly asked if Tim Wakefield could pitch again on Sunday because he wanted to make his evening tee time.
“Who do we have? Lackey. He’ll be all right. Daisuke’s not pitching, you’ll be all right,” Francona said with a smile.
“That was unbelievable,” added Francona. “I don’t think any of us knew how to act. It just didn’t seem like, it felt like you were missing something and we’ve got Papelbon in the sixth inning. It was weird. Both guys were throwing strikes and working quick, it was great.”
With such a quick game on Friday, it’s a safe bet tonight’s game Baltimore will last four-plus hours.
Francona did have a few injury updates to discuss.
* Team physician Dr. Thomas Gill read the MRI of Red Sox right-handed reliever Manny Delcarmen and it showed no structural damage. The discomfort he’s been experiencing for the last week or so is muscular. If he continues to improve, he should be able to throw a pair of bullpen sessions on Friday and Sunday before the All-Star break, according to Francona.
* Outfielder Jeremy Hermida (ribs) hit off a tee today “pretty aggressively” and felt really good. It’s likely he’ll be cleared to take live BP on Wednesday in Tampa. “He’s doing pretty well,” Francona said.
* After being a game-time scratch on Friday, outfielder Mike Cameron is back in the lineup today and batting eighth. “He felt terrible [Friday] night,” Francona said. “We asked him to [not play] and we’d rather do that than come out in the first inning. He showed up today and he feels really good.”
* Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz (hamstring) played catch on flat ground today and has yet to throw his bullpen session. The right-hander is still scheduled to start either Monday or Tuesday in Tampa. “If he pitches on Monday, he’ll have to be as close to 100 percent as he can be," said Francona. "We’re going to run him through some more [tests] and if he doesn’t pass, we’re not going to pitch him if we’re not completely sure.”
The official time of the game was 2:07 and it ended in a 3-2 victory over the Orioles. When Francona met with the local media this afternoon, a beat writer jokingly asked if Tim Wakefield could pitch again on Sunday because he wanted to make his evening tee time.
“Who do we have? Lackey. He’ll be all right. Daisuke’s not pitching, you’ll be all right,” Francona said with a smile.
“That was unbelievable,” added Francona. “I don’t think any of us knew how to act. It just didn’t seem like, it felt like you were missing something and we’ve got Papelbon in the sixth inning. It was weird. Both guys were throwing strikes and working quick, it was great.”
With such a quick game on Friday, it’s a safe bet tonight’s game Baltimore will last four-plus hours.
Francona did have a few injury updates to discuss.
* Team physician Dr. Thomas Gill read the MRI of Red Sox right-handed reliever Manny Delcarmen and it showed no structural damage. The discomfort he’s been experiencing for the last week or so is muscular. If he continues to improve, he should be able to throw a pair of bullpen sessions on Friday and Sunday before the All-Star break, according to Francona.
* Outfielder Jeremy Hermida (ribs) hit off a tee today “pretty aggressively” and felt really good. It’s likely he’ll be cleared to take live BP on Wednesday in Tampa. “He’s doing pretty well,” Francona said.
* After being a game-time scratch on Friday, outfielder Mike Cameron is back in the lineup today and batting eighth. “He felt terrible [Friday] night,” Francona said. “We asked him to [not play] and we’d rather do that than come out in the first inning. He showed up today and he feels really good.”
* Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz (hamstring) played catch on flat ground today and has yet to throw his bullpen session. The right-hander is still scheduled to start either Monday or Tuesday in Tampa. “If he pitches on Monday, he’ll have to be as close to 100 percent as he can be," said Francona. "We’re going to run him through some more [tests] and if he doesn’t pass, we’re not going to pitch him if we’re not completely sure.”
BOSTON -- Ailing Red Sox outfielder Jeremy Hermida (ribs) has started taking flips in the batting cage and will continue that for the next three or four days. If everything goes well, he’ll be ready to take BP on the field.
“He’s been doing pretty well,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “He’s been doing all the other things pretty aggressively -- outfield drills, base running. The swings are the last to come, but he feels pretty good about himself.”
Hermida was placed on the disabled list June 11 with five fractured ribs after colliding with third baseman Adrian Beltre in Baltimore. He’s getting close to returning and he’s champing at the bit.
“We're just taking it day by day,” he said. “It's communication between me coming in and saying how I feel and working out a gameplan for that day. There is not really a set timetable to say 'we'll do this today, we'll do this tomorrow' because it all depends on what I do today and how it responds tomorrow."
Hermida says he’s not holding back.
"I'm trying to push it forward actually."
“He’s been doing pretty well,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “He’s been doing all the other things pretty aggressively -- outfield drills, base running. The swings are the last to come, but he feels pretty good about himself.”
Hermida was placed on the disabled list June 11 with five fractured ribs after colliding with third baseman Adrian Beltre in Baltimore. He’s getting close to returning and he’s champing at the bit.
“We're just taking it day by day,” he said. “It's communication between me coming in and saying how I feel and working out a gameplan for that day. There is not really a set timetable to say 'we'll do this today, we'll do this tomorrow' because it all depends on what I do today and how it responds tomorrow."
Hermida says he’s not holding back.
"I'm trying to push it forward actually."
BOSTON -- The M*A*S*H unit for the Boston Red Sox remains on the mend.
* First baseman Kevin Youkilis, who has been dealing with back spasms, was drilled on the right elbow by a pitch and was sore Sunday morning, so manager Terry Francona decided it would be best to give him the day off from the starting lineup, especially with no game on Monday.
* After the Red Sox placed pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list with strained right forearm, Francona said the right-hander was feeling much better Sunday.
“He says he feels great, which is good,” Francona said. “I would rather him show up and have that. We certainly need to delve into it a little more, but he actually feels pretty good, so we’re cautiously optimistic about that.”
Red Sox medical director Dr. Thomas Gill was scheduled to examine Matsuzaka this morning.
* Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett played catch at 90 feet this morning with head trainer Mike Reinold looking on. Francona said Beckett also feels good.
* Outfielder Jeremy Hermida is feeling better, too. He was placed on the DL this week with five fractured ribs, the result of a collision with third baseman Adrian Beltre last week in Baltimore. According to Francona, Hermida has been riding the stationary bike and has been receiving treatment and the swelling is going down. He’s still not allowed to participate in baseball activities.
"We’ll give him some time to get better before he starts to get aggressive again, but I think he’s feeling a little bit better each day,” Francona said.
* First baseman Kevin Youkilis, who has been dealing with back spasms, was drilled on the right elbow by a pitch and was sore Sunday morning, so manager Terry Francona decided it would be best to give him the day off from the starting lineup, especially with no game on Monday.
* After the Red Sox placed pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list with strained right forearm, Francona said the right-hander was feeling much better Sunday.
“He says he feels great, which is good,” Francona said. “I would rather him show up and have that. We certainly need to delve into it a little more, but he actually feels pretty good, so we’re cautiously optimistic about that.”
Red Sox medical director Dr. Thomas Gill was scheduled to examine Matsuzaka this morning.
* Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett played catch at 90 feet this morning with head trainer Mike Reinold looking on. Francona said Beckett also feels good.
* Outfielder Jeremy Hermida is feeling better, too. He was placed on the DL this week with five fractured ribs, the result of a collision with third baseman Adrian Beltre last week in Baltimore. According to Francona, Hermida has been riding the stationary bike and has been receiving treatment and the swelling is going down. He’s still not allowed to participate in baseball activities.
"We’ll give him some time to get better before he starts to get aggressive again, but I think he’s feeling a little bit better each day,” Francona said.
Busy day: Hermida to DL, Nelson let go
June, 11, 2010
6/11/10
5:35
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON –- It’s been a busy day of transactions and injury updates for the Boston Red Sox.
* The club placed outfielder Jeremy Hermida on the disabled list with five fractured ribs. He suffered the injury in a collision with third baseman Adrian Beltre last Friday in Baltimore. It was a similar collision that has sidelined fellow outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury after his collision with Beltre on April 11 in Kansas City.
“We spoke to [Hermida] when he came in and we had a conference call. We’re going to DL him and let these things calm down a little bit,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “We’ll go at a pace he can tolerate. That doesn’t really change. It’s kind of eerily similar to -- Beltre is going to take out our whole outfield. We’ll try to let that heal a little bit.
“He was feeling better today, which we know can happen. We just want to slow it down a little bit and not have him go one step forward, two back, the rest of the year.”
Click here for more on Hermida.
*Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia had a MRI taken on his right knee today and the results came back clean. Pedroia said he feels fine and he’s in the lineup tonight.
“They could amputate my leg and I’d still play,” he said.
*Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who was removed from Thursday’s game in Cleveland with back spasms, is not in the starting lineup tonight against the Phillies. According to Francona, Youkilis is a little stiff.
“He did a good job of getting himself out of there. Maybe that’s something he wouldn’t have done in the past,” Francona said. “He would have tried to play through, and it would have cost him three for four days. I’m pretty sure he’ll be fine for tomorrow.”
Francona said Youkilis could be available to pinch hit tonight.
*The Red Sox reinstated closer Jonathan Papelbon from the bereavement list and he’s available to pitch tonight.
*Right-handed reliever Joe Nelson was designated for assignment. He said unless he gets picked up off waivers, it’s unlikely he’ll accept an assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket. Nelson is flying home to Florida tonight and will talk with his agent and wife before making a decision.
“In all likelihood, if I clear waivers, I’ve probably thrown my last pitch,” he said. “I don’t anticipate myself going back to Pawtucket, but that’s emotion talking right now and we’ll probably reanalyze it when I’m not as disappointed.
“I had every opportunity and I didn’t produce. The thought of going to Triple-A doesn’t sound that great. We’ll wait and see what options present themselves. As a whole, you've got to perform better. That’s what it comes down to. They gave me every chance to succeed and I didn’t make the pitches. There’s not a hard feeling in the world between the Red Sox and me. Every day I got to spend up here was a blessing and not taken for granted. I need to do a better job.”
The Red Sox filled Nelson's bullpen spot by recalling reliever Scott Atchison from Pawtucket.
* The club placed outfielder Jeremy Hermida on the disabled list with five fractured ribs. He suffered the injury in a collision with third baseman Adrian Beltre last Friday in Baltimore. It was a similar collision that has sidelined fellow outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury after his collision with Beltre on April 11 in Kansas City.
“We spoke to [Hermida] when he came in and we had a conference call. We’re going to DL him and let these things calm down a little bit,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “We’ll go at a pace he can tolerate. That doesn’t really change. It’s kind of eerily similar to -- Beltre is going to take out our whole outfield. We’ll try to let that heal a little bit.
“He was feeling better today, which we know can happen. We just want to slow it down a little bit and not have him go one step forward, two back, the rest of the year.”
Click here for more on Hermida.
*Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia had a MRI taken on his right knee today and the results came back clean. Pedroia said he feels fine and he’s in the lineup tonight.
“They could amputate my leg and I’d still play,” he said.
*Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who was removed from Thursday’s game in Cleveland with back spasms, is not in the starting lineup tonight against the Phillies. According to Francona, Youkilis is a little stiff.
“He did a good job of getting himself out of there. Maybe that’s something he wouldn’t have done in the past,” Francona said. “He would have tried to play through, and it would have cost him three for four days. I’m pretty sure he’ll be fine for tomorrow.”
Francona said Youkilis could be available to pinch hit tonight.
*The Red Sox reinstated closer Jonathan Papelbon from the bereavement list and he’s available to pitch tonight.
*Right-handed reliever Joe Nelson was designated for assignment. He said unless he gets picked up off waivers, it’s unlikely he’ll accept an assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket. Nelson is flying home to Florida tonight and will talk with his agent and wife before making a decision.
“In all likelihood, if I clear waivers, I’ve probably thrown my last pitch,” he said. “I don’t anticipate myself going back to Pawtucket, but that’s emotion talking right now and we’ll probably reanalyze it when I’m not as disappointed.
“I had every opportunity and I didn’t produce. The thought of going to Triple-A doesn’t sound that great. We’ll wait and see what options present themselves. As a whole, you've got to perform better. That’s what it comes down to. They gave me every chance to succeed and I didn’t make the pitches. There’s not a hard feeling in the world between the Red Sox and me. Every day I got to spend up here was a blessing and not taken for granted. I need to do a better job.”
The Red Sox filled Nelson's bullpen spot by recalling reliever Scott Atchison from Pawtucket.
CLEVELAND -- Jonathan Papelbon will not be available to close at least the first three games of the Indians series after being placed on the bereavement list to deal with what the Red Sox called an emergency family issue.
No other details were furnished by the club.
With Papelbon gone, Daniel Bard was expected to assume closing duties. Since May 1, Bard has allowed just one earned run in 15 1/3 innings, a 0.59 ERA, while striking out 14 and walking 6.
Right-handed pitcher Boof Bonser, who had completed a 30-day rehab stint in Pawtucket, was activated for Monday's game, but with Papelbon on the bereavement list, no other corresponding roster move was necessary.
Other roster updates:
-- Jacoby Ellsbury may soon receive another independent checkup at the prompting of agent Scott Boras, manager Terry Francona said, adding that he thought it was a good idea.
-- Center-fielder Mike Cameron was given the day off Monday, Francona said, noting that he had gone the distance in Sunday’s 11-inning game and the Sox thought it wise to hold him out.
-- Manny Delcarmen’s back remained a little stiff, Francona said, and he wasn’t sure whether the reliever would be available Monday night.
-- Jeremy Hermida’s ribs remained sore after his collision with Adrian Beltre on Friday, but Francona thought he was available if needed.
No other details were furnished by the club.
With Papelbon gone, Daniel Bard was expected to assume closing duties. Since May 1, Bard has allowed just one earned run in 15 1/3 innings, a 0.59 ERA, while striking out 14 and walking 6.
Right-handed pitcher Boof Bonser, who had completed a 30-day rehab stint in Pawtucket, was activated for Monday's game, but with Papelbon on the bereavement list, no other corresponding roster move was necessary.
Other roster updates:
-- Jacoby Ellsbury may soon receive another independent checkup at the prompting of agent Scott Boras, manager Terry Francona said, adding that he thought it was a good idea.
-- Center-fielder Mike Cameron was given the day off Monday, Francona said, noting that he had gone the distance in Sunday’s 11-inning game and the Sox thought it wise to hold him out.
-- Manny Delcarmen’s back remained a little stiff, Francona said, and he wasn’t sure whether the reliever would be available Monday night.
-- Jeremy Hermida’s ribs remained sore after his collision with Adrian Beltre on Friday, but Francona thought he was available if needed.
BALTIMORE -- The Red Sox needed to make a few roster moves in preparation for tonight’s game against the Orioles.
Boston has called up outfielder Josh Reddick from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned pitcher Scott Atchison. The Red Sox needed an outfielder because Jeremy Hermida was a bit banged up with a sore left forearm and side after colliding with third baseman Adrian Beltre on Friday.
This is Reddick’s second stint with Boston this season. He was hitting .183 with five homers and 25 RBIs with the PawSox. In his last 26 games for Pawtucket, he batted .165.
“The one thing [PawSox manager] Torey [Lovullo] said was, ‘You’re going to call up a guy whose batting average is low and everybody is going to say what are we doing?’ For the last two weeks his approach has been a lot better,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “We like this kid and I think it’s a good reminder. Come help us win some games and how long he’ll be here, we don’t know.”
Reddick said he's ready to help out the Red Sox.
"Well, I don't really expect much of anything. Just come up here and try to help them as much as I can, whether it be short term or long term," Reddick said. "My numbers weren't really showing much, but the last two or three weeks I've been hitting the ball really well, having great at-bats."
Fellow outfield prospect Ryan Kalish had recently been promoted to Pawtucket from Double-A Portland and has been playing well, but the organization thought Reddick was a better option for the emergency call-up.
“Do we think [Kalish] is a really good player? Yeah. But he just went to Triple-A a few days ago, so I don’t think [a call-up] is in his best interest,” said Francona.
Atchison has options remaining in his contract, making him expendable.
“I think he understands. I think he gets frustrated and he also knows we think a lot of him as a pitcher,” Francona said. “Sometimes guys get on that shuttle and when your team gets in a little bit of a bind like we potentially were, we needed a healthy outfielder and unfortunately [Atchison] caught the bad end of it.”
Since the results of a CT scan on Hermida’s side came back fine, he could return to the lineup on Sunday and Reddick’s stay could be brief.
Also, pitcher Boof Bonser’s 30-day minor league rehab stint ends Sunday. He’s scheduled to work one inning of relief for the PawSox tonight in Louisville and there’s a possibility he could be with the Red Sox on Monday in Cleveland.
A few other pregame notes from Francona:
* Here's Francona's explanation as to why Mike Lowell is not playing tonight and Kevin Youkilis has been moved from first to third: “A couple of things. We wanted to get some left-handed bats in the lineup and we have a day game tomorrow, so this a way we can keep Victor in there because he’s been swinging the bat well. We let Tek catch and Youk, at some point during interleague, will play third.”
Youkilis has played 55 games at first this season and tonight will be his first appearance on the other side of the diamond.
* Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) was able to take batting practice today and participated in running drills. He was able to increase the intensity of his workouts. He said he’s feeling better.
* Mike Cameron (abdominal tear) also took BP and is doing much better. He’s actually feeling pretty good, according to Francona, but the manager added he doesn’t think Cameron’s ready to play. “Last night during the game he was pacing the dugout. He knows there are guys banged up, so I told him, ‘Quit pacing because you’re not going to play. We’re not going to do something that’s not in your best interest because we’re running short.’ Hopefully that made him feel a little bit better.”
Boston has called up outfielder Josh Reddick from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned pitcher Scott Atchison. The Red Sox needed an outfielder because Jeremy Hermida was a bit banged up with a sore left forearm and side after colliding with third baseman Adrian Beltre on Friday.
This is Reddick’s second stint with Boston this season. He was hitting .183 with five homers and 25 RBIs with the PawSox. In his last 26 games for Pawtucket, he batted .165.
“The one thing [PawSox manager] Torey [Lovullo] said was, ‘You’re going to call up a guy whose batting average is low and everybody is going to say what are we doing?’ For the last two weeks his approach has been a lot better,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “We like this kid and I think it’s a good reminder. Come help us win some games and how long he’ll be here, we don’t know.”
Reddick said he's ready to help out the Red Sox.
"Well, I don't really expect much of anything. Just come up here and try to help them as much as I can, whether it be short term or long term," Reddick said. "My numbers weren't really showing much, but the last two or three weeks I've been hitting the ball really well, having great at-bats."
Fellow outfield prospect Ryan Kalish had recently been promoted to Pawtucket from Double-A Portland and has been playing well, but the organization thought Reddick was a better option for the emergency call-up.
“Do we think [Kalish] is a really good player? Yeah. But he just went to Triple-A a few days ago, so I don’t think [a call-up] is in his best interest,” said Francona.
Atchison has options remaining in his contract, making him expendable.
“I think he understands. I think he gets frustrated and he also knows we think a lot of him as a pitcher,” Francona said. “Sometimes guys get on that shuttle and when your team gets in a little bit of a bind like we potentially were, we needed a healthy outfielder and unfortunately [Atchison] caught the bad end of it.”
Since the results of a CT scan on Hermida’s side came back fine, he could return to the lineup on Sunday and Reddick’s stay could be brief.
Also, pitcher Boof Bonser’s 30-day minor league rehab stint ends Sunday. He’s scheduled to work one inning of relief for the PawSox tonight in Louisville and there’s a possibility he could be with the Red Sox on Monday in Cleveland.
A few other pregame notes from Francona:
* Here's Francona's explanation as to why Mike Lowell is not playing tonight and Kevin Youkilis has been moved from first to third: “A couple of things. We wanted to get some left-handed bats in the lineup and we have a day game tomorrow, so this a way we can keep Victor in there because he’s been swinging the bat well. We let Tek catch and Youk, at some point during interleague, will play third.”
Youkilis has played 55 games at first this season and tonight will be his first appearance on the other side of the diamond.
* Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) was able to take batting practice today and participated in running drills. He was able to increase the intensity of his workouts. He said he’s feeling better.
* Mike Cameron (abdominal tear) also took BP and is doing much better. He’s actually feeling pretty good, according to Francona, but the manager added he doesn’t think Cameron’s ready to play. “Last night during the game he was pacing the dugout. He knows there are guys banged up, so I told him, ‘Quit pacing because you’re not going to play. We’re not going to do something that’s not in your best interest because we’re running short.’ Hopefully that made him feel a little bit better.”
BALTIMORE –- Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre was in the midst of telling a small contingent of traveling beat writers that his knee is fine and he’s ready to play despite manager Terry Francona giving him Saturday’s game off when teammate Marco Scutaro decided to join in the conversation.
“Adrian, what do you think if the game is tied in the eighth inning and the bases are loaded with nobody out, can you hit for us?” Scutaro asked, using his baseball spike as a mock microphone.
“No doubt,” Beltre replied. “I’ll be hitting for you.”
“That’s good. Will you hit a homer from one knee?” Scutaro responded, referring to Beltre’s solo homer Friday night.
“Get outta here,” Beltre said.
With that Scutaro returned to his locker and Beltre reiterated that his knee is fine despite a collision with left fielder Jeremy Hermida on Friday night.
Beltre said his knee is a little sore, but he’s not concerned and said he wanted to be in the lineup.
“I don’t like a day off -- period,” he said. “But I guess sometimes you have to take it. I feel like I have to work the whole thing back in and I just don’t feel comfortable taking days off.”
Beltre will receive treatment on his knee and told Francona that he’s available if needed. Beltre tried to fight his manager on taking a night off but had no luck in his argument.
Beltre has hit safely in 13 of his last 16 games with nine multihit efforts, batting .400 with five homers and 19 RBIs during that span. He's played in 54 of 57 games this season.
After Beltre hit his home run to lead off the fifth inning on Friday, TV cameras showed Beltre and teammate Victor Martinez in the dugout and it seemed the two were having an argument. Beltre said they were just having fun.
“He knows I don’t like anybody to touch my head,” he said. “He knows it and he did it on purpose. So I’m not responsible for anything that happens to him after that happens. He’s been doing it lately and if he’s looking for [good luck] it’s working for him because he’s been hitting the ball really good. If that’s the case, I’ll let him do it.”
Revenge?
“He’s got a bad toe, remember?” quipped Beltre.
“Adrian, what do you think if the game is tied in the eighth inning and the bases are loaded with nobody out, can you hit for us?” Scutaro asked, using his baseball spike as a mock microphone.
“No doubt,” Beltre replied. “I’ll be hitting for you.”
“That’s good. Will you hit a homer from one knee?” Scutaro responded, referring to Beltre’s solo homer Friday night.
“Get outta here,” Beltre said.
With that Scutaro returned to his locker and Beltre reiterated that his knee is fine despite a collision with left fielder Jeremy Hermida on Friday night.
Beltre said his knee is a little sore, but he’s not concerned and said he wanted to be in the lineup.
“I don’t like a day off -- period,” he said. “But I guess sometimes you have to take it. I feel like I have to work the whole thing back in and I just don’t feel comfortable taking days off.”
Beltre will receive treatment on his knee and told Francona that he’s available if needed. Beltre tried to fight his manager on taking a night off but had no luck in his argument.
Beltre has hit safely in 13 of his last 16 games with nine multihit efforts, batting .400 with five homers and 19 RBIs during that span. He's played in 54 of 57 games this season.
After Beltre hit his home run to lead off the fifth inning on Friday, TV cameras showed Beltre and teammate Victor Martinez in the dugout and it seemed the two were having an argument. Beltre said they were just having fun.
“He knows I don’t like anybody to touch my head,” he said. “He knows it and he did it on purpose. So I’m not responsible for anything that happens to him after that happens. He’s been doing it lately and if he’s looking for [good luck] it’s working for him because he’s been hitting the ball really good. If that’s the case, I’ll let him do it.”
Revenge?
“He’s got a bad toe, remember?” quipped Beltre.
Hermida a little banged up after collision
June, 5, 2010
6/05/10
5:36
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
BALTIMORE -- After being on the receiving end of a collision with Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre during Friday’s game, outfielder Jeremy Hermida’s forearm and ribs were sore when he woke up this morning.
His forearm was a little tight, but his side was really bothering him so he called manager Terry Francona and it was decided to send Hermida for a CT scan, which came back clean. Hermida said he wanted the test done for precautionary reasons because of the extent of Jacoby Ellsbury’s rib-cage injury on a similar play with Beltre on April 11 in Kansas City.
“It’s a similar situation and similar spot so you want to rule out anything like that, especially when it comes to bones,” Hermida said. “We just wanted to rule it out and eliminate that thought, knowing in my mind I can push it and go when I need to go.”
Hermida said he thinks he’ll be ready to play Sunday.
His forearm was a little tight, but his side was really bothering him so he called manager Terry Francona and it was decided to send Hermida for a CT scan, which came back clean. Hermida said he wanted the test done for precautionary reasons because of the extent of Jacoby Ellsbury’s rib-cage injury on a similar play with Beltre on April 11 in Kansas City.
“It’s a similar situation and similar spot so you want to rule out anything like that, especially when it comes to bones,” Hermida said. “We just wanted to rule it out and eliminate that thought, knowing in my mind I can push it and go when I need to go.”
Hermida said he thinks he’ll be ready to play Sunday.
Another all-out collision for Red Sox
June, 4, 2010
6/04/10
11:49
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
BALTIMORE -- For the second time this season, the Boston Red Sox witnessed a collision between their third baseman and their left fielder while they were chasing a lazy pop up. Fortunately for the Sox, this one turned out a little better than the one on April 11 in Kansas City.
On that day, Adrian Beltre steamrolled Jacoby Ellsbury, who suffered four fractured ribs and he’s been on the disabled list twice since.
In the bottom of the third inning Friday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore's Nick Markakis lifted a fly ball down the third-base line in shallow left field. Beltre and left fielder Jeremy Hermida were both charging for the ball when they collided. Hermida took the brunt of the hit and suffered contusions on his left forearm and ribs.
“I think we’re just going to let the ball fall next time,” said Ellsbury, who had just finished treatment after Boston’s 11-0 victory. “You just hope he gets up from it. It looked pretty similar. Adrian is a pretty solid person.”
Hermida stayed in the game until the fifth inning, when he was removed and had X-rays taken at the ballpark. Results were negative.
“It just feels like a bruise up there," Hermida said. "But the forearm was the thing. Tried to grip a bat and swing, tried to give it a whirl up there, go into it and see what happens. But after swinging once I kind of realized it wasn’t going to happen.”
Beltre, who suffered a bruised knee on the play, is relentless on defense and there’s no doubt he’s a big, strong guy.
“In that situation I’m trying to get the ball until the outfielder calls me off,” Beltre said. “There have been some situations where they haven’t called me off because they’re not under the ball. Unfortunately we have collapsed a couple of times, but I think Hermida will be OK.”
Beltre also dismissed the fact that the collision was similar to the one he had with Ellsbury.
“No, because there was less speed on it. Jacoby was a little farther, so I was running a little faster. This one was a little shorter because he was close to me.”
The last thing Beltre or Hermida wanted to do was pull up on the play and let the ball fall in for a hit.
“Actually, I was very surprised that he caught it,” Hermida said. “I was sliding and had my head down, trying not to take one in the face. I was surprised and I still haven’t seen the replay of it yet. It was a great play on his part.”
Sitting in the dugout, manager Terry Francona said he’s not about to tell his players to ease up.
“I want somebody to catch it,” he said. “That’s the only way to play. You have to play the game like that. That’s a ball where nobody can call it. Nobody knows if they can catch it. You’ve got three guys going after it as hard as they can. I don’t know how Beltre caught that ball. I was actually watching to see where it went, because you see the bodies. You don’t see the ball. I don’t know how that ball stayed in his glove.”
On that day, Adrian Beltre steamrolled Jacoby Ellsbury, who suffered four fractured ribs and he’s been on the disabled list twice since.
In the bottom of the third inning Friday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore's Nick Markakis lifted a fly ball down the third-base line in shallow left field. Beltre and left fielder Jeremy Hermida were both charging for the ball when they collided. Hermida took the brunt of the hit and suffered contusions on his left forearm and ribs.
“I think we’re just going to let the ball fall next time,” said Ellsbury, who had just finished treatment after Boston’s 11-0 victory. “You just hope he gets up from it. It looked pretty similar. Adrian is a pretty solid person.”
Hermida stayed in the game until the fifth inning, when he was removed and had X-rays taken at the ballpark. Results were negative.
“It just feels like a bruise up there," Hermida said. "But the forearm was the thing. Tried to grip a bat and swing, tried to give it a whirl up there, go into it and see what happens. But after swinging once I kind of realized it wasn’t going to happen.”
Beltre, who suffered a bruised knee on the play, is relentless on defense and there’s no doubt he’s a big, strong guy.
“In that situation I’m trying to get the ball until the outfielder calls me off,” Beltre said. “There have been some situations where they haven’t called me off because they’re not under the ball. Unfortunately we have collapsed a couple of times, but I think Hermida will be OK.”
Beltre also dismissed the fact that the collision was similar to the one he had with Ellsbury.
“No, because there was less speed on it. Jacoby was a little farther, so I was running a little faster. This one was a little shorter because he was close to me.”
The last thing Beltre or Hermida wanted to do was pull up on the play and let the ball fall in for a hit.
“Actually, I was very surprised that he caught it,” Hermida said. “I was sliding and had my head down, trying not to take one in the face. I was surprised and I still haven’t seen the replay of it yet. It was a great play on his part.”
Sitting in the dugout, manager Terry Francona said he’s not about to tell his players to ease up.
“I want somebody to catch it,” he said. “That’s the only way to play. You have to play the game like that. That’s a ball where nobody can call it. Nobody knows if they can catch it. You’ve got three guys going after it as hard as they can. I don’t know how Beltre caught that ball. I was actually watching to see where it went, because you see the bodies. You don’t see the ball. I don’t know how that ball stayed in his glove.”
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- When the Red Sox first signed veteran Mike Cameron last winter and announced that he would take over in center field and Jacoby Ellsbury would be moved to left, one of the reasons given was that Cameron had never played left.
That plan lasted 11 games.
Cameron will mark his return to the Sox lineup Tuesday night, after an absence of five weeks and 34 games due to an abdominal tear, by playing center field against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Ellsbury getting the night off. But when both are in the lineup, manager Terry Francona said Tuesday, confirming a story on WEEI.com, the plan is for Ellsbury to return to center field and Cameron to play left, a position he has started just one game in his life -- with Triple-A Pawtucket earlier this month while on rehab assignment.
“I think that’s probably the right thing to do, at least for the moment, in the near future,’’ Francona said. “I talked to both of them, and both were pretty good about it. Both said, whatever we need to do. I said we can’t play Cam every day yet. Hopefully we get to that point, [but] we need to be aware of what he’s gone through and keep him going forward. Because we have [Jeremy] Hermida, it’s kind of a natural back and forth.’’
Cameron was supposed to give the Sox an upgrade in their outfield defense in center -- he led the National League in a number of defensive categories last season for Milwaukee -- with the overall outfield defense also improving with Ellsbury replacing free agent Jason Bay in left.
Sox general manager Theo Epstein had indicated during the winter that the move was hardly a permanent one and could even change at some point this season, but it’s unlikely anyone anticipated it happening this soon.
On the face of it, it would seem to signal the concern that Cameron’s injury could be problematic later in the season -- he has told reporters he expects he’ll need surgery at some point -- and at the least the 37-year-old outfielder will need to be rested more than originally planned. Francona acknowledged that the shift to left may save some wear and tear.
“I would say uncharted waters for me,’’ Cameron said regarding what level of discomfort he expects to be dealing with. "We’ll find out. The times I’ve played I’ve gotten better and better. It’s just a matter of how much the body is able to withstand.
“It’s almost like spring training for me a little bit, as far as going out and playing, regroup, do it again the next day and the next day. I’m sure there will be a little more of an exhaustion period here.’’
If Cameron has an issue with the move to left, he’s keeping his own counsel, though he did mention the unfamiliarity of the position and the adjustment that will entail, especially learning the Green Monster in Fenway. Ellsbury had played left as a rookie in 2007.
“I don’t think I’ll have any problem with that,’’ Cameron said of the move, noting that the Sox had raised the possibility he’d be playing left when he first signed.
“As to what I have to do, I feel pretty good. We’ll see how it goes. I can’t really be concerned with that. I just want to get a chance to run around and play the game the best I can possibly play it. If that’s the case [playing left field], that’s what it is.’’
The shift of Cameron to left suggests the Sox may indeed look to platoon him with the left-handed-hitting Hermida, which certainly was not Cameron’s intention when he signed and declared himself an everyday player. Hermida has 24 RBIs in a part-time role, 15 of those RBIs coming with two outs and runners in scoring position.
Francona indicated that Hermida, who was scheduled to play left field Tuesday night, will get playing time while Ellsbury and Cameron work their way back into daily playing status. Ellsbury has a single in 14 at-bats in the three games he has played since his return from a hairline fracture in four ribs. He went 0 for 5 Monday night, grounding out in all five of his plate appearances.
That plan lasted 11 games.
Cameron will mark his return to the Sox lineup Tuesday night, after an absence of five weeks and 34 games due to an abdominal tear, by playing center field against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Ellsbury getting the night off. But when both are in the lineup, manager Terry Francona said Tuesday, confirming a story on WEEI.com, the plan is for Ellsbury to return to center field and Cameron to play left, a position he has started just one game in his life -- with Triple-A Pawtucket earlier this month while on rehab assignment.
“I think that’s probably the right thing to do, at least for the moment, in the near future,’’ Francona said. “I talked to both of them, and both were pretty good about it. Both said, whatever we need to do. I said we can’t play Cam every day yet. Hopefully we get to that point, [but] we need to be aware of what he’s gone through and keep him going forward. Because we have [Jeremy] Hermida, it’s kind of a natural back and forth.’’
Cameron was supposed to give the Sox an upgrade in their outfield defense in center -- he led the National League in a number of defensive categories last season for Milwaukee -- with the overall outfield defense also improving with Ellsbury replacing free agent Jason Bay in left.
Sox general manager Theo Epstein had indicated during the winter that the move was hardly a permanent one and could even change at some point this season, but it’s unlikely anyone anticipated it happening this soon.
On the face of it, it would seem to signal the concern that Cameron’s injury could be problematic later in the season -- he has told reporters he expects he’ll need surgery at some point -- and at the least the 37-year-old outfielder will need to be rested more than originally planned. Francona acknowledged that the shift to left may save some wear and tear.
“I would say uncharted waters for me,’’ Cameron said regarding what level of discomfort he expects to be dealing with. "We’ll find out. The times I’ve played I’ve gotten better and better. It’s just a matter of how much the body is able to withstand.
“It’s almost like spring training for me a little bit, as far as going out and playing, regroup, do it again the next day and the next day. I’m sure there will be a little more of an exhaustion period here.’’
If Cameron has an issue with the move to left, he’s keeping his own counsel, though he did mention the unfamiliarity of the position and the adjustment that will entail, especially learning the Green Monster in Fenway. Ellsbury had played left as a rookie in 2007.
“I don’t think I’ll have any problem with that,’’ Cameron said of the move, noting that the Sox had raised the possibility he’d be playing left when he first signed.
“As to what I have to do, I feel pretty good. We’ll see how it goes. I can’t really be concerned with that. I just want to get a chance to run around and play the game the best I can possibly play it. If that’s the case [playing left field], that’s what it is.’’
The shift of Cameron to left suggests the Sox may indeed look to platoon him with the left-handed-hitting Hermida, which certainly was not Cameron’s intention when he signed and declared himself an everyday player. Hermida has 24 RBIs in a part-time role, 15 of those RBIs coming with two outs and runners in scoring position.
Francona indicated that Hermida, who was scheduled to play left field Tuesday night, will get playing time while Ellsbury and Cameron work their way back into daily playing status. Ellsbury has a single in 14 at-bats in the three games he has played since his return from a hairline fracture in four ribs. He went 0 for 5 Monday night, grounding out in all five of his plate appearances.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Gordon Edes
Gordon Edes, who joined ESPNBoston.com in Nov. 2009, has covered MLB for more than 25 years. He spent 12 years covering the Sox for the Globe. Ask a question for his next mailbag. Follow him on Twitter here.
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Joe McDonald, a native Rhode Islander, joined ESPNBoston.com as a Bruins and Red Sox reporter in February 2010. He has worked at the Providence Journal since 1992, covering the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, PawSox and Providence Bruins over the past nine years. Follow him on Twitter here.
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Steven Krasner, a Rhode Island native, has been a Red Sox contributor for ESPNBoston.com since June, 2010. He also covered the Red Sox for 22 years at the Providence Journal. He conducts interactive classroom and Skype writing workshops and has authored several children's baseball books.
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Mike Andrews is designer and developer of SoxProspects.com and a special contributor to ESPNBoston.com. He writes a weekly column on Red Sox prospects.
UPCOMING GAMES
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAM | 27-18 | 17-7 | 10-11 | W2 | |
| BOS | 22-22 | 9-11 | 13-11 | W1 |
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAM | 27-18 | 17-7 | 10-11 | W2 | |
| BOS | 22-22 | 9-11 | 13-11 | W1 |
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAM | 27-18 | 17-7 | 10-11 | W2 | |
| BOS | 22-22 | 9-11 | 13-11 | W1 |