Monday, April 14, 2014

A Bad Weekend, Injuries & 149 To Play

Yeah, I know, it's just 13 games.

The Red Sox sit at 5-8 on this Monday, having lost three of four in the Bronx this past weekend. With the exception of John Lackey's four home runs allowed on Saturday, the starting pitchers acquitted themselves well. The bullpen was equally as good.

But Koji Uehara missed the series, as he felt tightness in his shoulder on Friday, and Edward Mujica closed out that night's win. Koji said he felt better on Sunday, and he will be further evaluated in Boston today. The DL is still a possibility, as Koji is 38 years old and the team will rightly not push this early.

But the offense continues to be a problem, especially with runners on base. The Red Sox are just 11th out of 15 in total runs scored in the AL so far, and managed just 11 runs in the four game series. The leadoff spot is a big problem, and split between four different players, are hitting a combined .188.  Dustin Pedroia sat out last night's game with a sore wrist, and will be evaluated today in Boston. He hurt the wrist during the Milwaukee series, and has struggled since.

Shane Victorino will be the third of the trio of players in Boston today seeing the doctors, and if he gets the OK, he starts his rehab tomorrow in Portland. He could be activated for the Baltimore series this weekend if the hamstring is good to go.

The AL East is right now a logjam, with three teams tied for first, and the Red Sox in fifth place but just two games back.

Step back and away from the ledge, folks. 149 games to play. The White Sox are up next in Chicago on Tuesday. It's time for the last year's best offensive team to come alive.

No comments: