“That’s good news for us. He must feel good,’’ manager Terry Francona said. “But we need to give him a chance where he can go out and not be stuck on 60 pitches.’’
Lester (10-4, 3.31 ERA) is critical to the team’s postseason hopes. The Sox appear to have dodged what could have been a serious blow.
“I think we caught it quick enough where he didn’t go out and throw another inning and do some damage,’’ Francona said.
Decision day? Based on a conversation with his agents and representatives of the Players Association, David Ortiz was under the impression that a decision from Major League Baseball on his appeal of a four-game suspension could be announced soon.
“I’ll probably hear something later on [last night] or [this] morning,’’ he said.
Orioles.com reported that Ortiz and Orioles pitcher Kevin Gregg would have their suspensions reduced to three games starting today. The two came to blows July 8 after Gregg threw inside on Ortiz three times.
The Sox and Orioles start a three-game series at Camden Yards tonight. Suspending Ortiz and Gregg now could help head off another confrontation.
Francona claimed the team has heard nothing about the matter.
“You’re kind of in the dark on those things,’’ he said. “It’s not up to us, it’s when they want to do it.’’
Francona indicated that he would use the suspension to get some position players what amounts to a half a day of rest by moving to DH. Kevin Youkilis would be a candidate.
What’s happening? With Carl Crawford set to come off the disabled list today, what happens with Josh Reddick?
Reddick was called up from Pawtucket June 18, a day after Crawford strained his left hamstring. Entering last night’s game against the Rays, Reddick was 20 of 53 (.377) with 10 extra-base hits and 13 RBIs in 20 games since being added to the roster.
Reddick has played predominantly left field since his recall. With Crawford back, Francona will have to be creative to find ways to use Reddick.
“If that’s considered a dilemma, I’d like to have a lot of them,’’ Francona said. “At some point, when he’s hot like that, the kid’s got to play. You’re not doing your team a service [otherwise]. He’s been terrific.
