Red Sox Injuries: Grissom and Gonzalez placed on IL
The Boston Red Sox suffered a major blow over the weekend as they placed two key players on the injured list. Second baseman Vaughn Grissom and infielder/outfielder Romy Gonzalez were both sidelined due to hamstring strains. This comes as a major setback for the team as they look to continue their strong start to the season.
Grissom, who missed the first 32 games of the season due to a left hamstring strain, injured his right hamstring while running out a grounder in Saturday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. The 23-year-old has struggled at the plate this season, batting just .148 with 3 RBIs in 23 games. Grissom was acquired by the Red Sox in a trade with the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Chris Sale.
Gonzalez, on the other hand, did not have a specific play that caused his injury. The 27-year-old has been a solid contributor for the Red Sox this season, batting .257 with 6 RBIs in 17 games. He was claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox in January.
To fill the void left by Grissom and Gonzalez, the Red Sox have called up Jamie Westbrook and recalled Bobby Dalbec from the Triple-A Worcester. Westbrook, who has spent over a decade in the minor leagues, is set to make his Major League debut. Dalbec, who has struggled at the plate this season, will look to improve upon his .132 batting average.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
The Red Sox will have to rely on their depth to weather this injury setback. Westbrook and Dalbec will have an opportunity to prove themselves at the Major League level, and the team will need their contributions if they want to stay competitive in the highly competitive AL East. Losing Grissom and Gonzalez is a major blow, but it will also allow other players to step up and show their worth. Only time will tell how long the two will be sidelined, but the Red Sox will have to find a way to overcome these injuries if they want to continue their success this season.
