Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Despite all the drama in Boston on Monday, the news out of New Britain, Conn. still drew attention.
Sea Dogs center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr., a.k.a. JBJ, injured his leg in the first inning of Monday's game against the New Britain Rock Cats.
On first base after a single, Bradley appeared headed for third on Jeremy Hazelbaker's single to center field. After rounding second, Bradley changed his mind, halted and headed back to second base. But he appeared to injure his ankle in the process and stayed on the ground.
But the injury, if any, does not appear serious. "He's going to be fine," Portland manager Kevin Boles said in today's story. "It just caught him off guard ... he was able to put weight on it ... he should be back sooner than later."
As for the game, starter Drake Britton struggled through the first inning (four hits, two runs), but followed with six scoreless innings, allowing only one more hit. Britton keeps impressing and will likely be beginning 2013 in Pawtucket, with eyes on Boston ... Xander Bogaerts (.390) went 2-for-4.
In Boston, the Red Sox announced two decisions - to have outfielder Carl Crawford undergo Tommy John surgery on Thursday, ending his season, and likely prolonging his start of the 2013 season; and the firing of pitching coach Bob McClure.
Randy Niemann replaces McClure, becoming the fourth pitching coach in three years - following John Farrell, Curt Young and McClure.
Two other minor league notes: Daniel Nava homered for Pawtucket during his rehab assignment. He could be Crawford's replacement ... Salem's Matt Barnes pitched four innings (5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K), lowering his ERA to 3.35.
While the Red Sox struggle, so do the Angels, who have lost four straight. The two Wild Card contenders meet tonight at Fenway. Aaron Cook (3-6, 4.58) goers against Erwin Santana (6-10, 5.59).
Here are the standings:
AL EAST
Yankees 72-50
Rays 68-54 (4 back)
Orioles 66-56 (6)
Red Sox 59-63 (13)
Blue Jays 56-65 (15.5)
WILD CARD
Rays 68-54
Orioles 66-56
A’s 65-56 (0.5 back)
Tigers 64-57 (1.5)
Angels 62-60 (4)
Red Sox 59-63 (7)
Mariners 59-64 (7.5)
Blue Jays 56-65 (9.5)
Royals 54-67 (11.5)
Indians 54-68 (12)
Twins 51-70 (14.5)
Tweet
Kevin Thomas covers baseball and basketball for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He wisely moved to Maine in 1994 after working for the St. Petersburg Times. He is married to Nancy and they have nine children.
Follow his thoughts on the Boston Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs on Clearing the Bases
Follow his thoughts on the Boston Celtics and Maine Red Claws on Holding Court
Subscribe to the
Holding Court RSS
Subscribe to the
Clearing the Bases RSS
More
Copyright ©2013 MaineToday Media, Inc.
Jobs
Cars
Real Estate
Maine Yellow Pages
Facebook
Twitter