David OrtizBoston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is now sporting a massive cast on his injured left arm. The currently injury is a partially torn ECU tendon sheath in his left wrist, and the hope is this cast will avoid season-ending surgery. If the cast does its job, Big Papi could be thinking about playing ball again in early July, if not then its ut-oh!

“The integrity of (Ortiz’) tendon hasn’t been compromised at all,” general manager Theo Epstein said. “That’s why the doctors are pretty confident that to immobilize it in this hard cast for a period of time, there’s a pretty significant chance it will heal itself in that time period, and we’ll know it will have because David will be pain-free and not tender. When he gets out of the cast, it will have resolved itself and he will start his progression.”

At the moment, Ortiz is expected to spend two to three weeks in the cast. After the cast comes off the real diagnosis begins. Papi was complaining of a “clicking” sensation in his wrist in addition to the pain. Basically, what the team is thinking is that if Ortiz is pain free, but still experiencing “clicking” then he could play. Although, he would need surgery after the season. If there was any pain after that cast comes off then his season would be done.

There are two similar comparisons to this injury. One is Nick Johnson of the Washington Nationals, he suffered a torn tendon sheath in his wright wrist, and is expected out 4-6 weeks. The most memorable comparison thou for Red Sox Nation is Curt Schilling and his bloody sock. Schilling had torn the right peroneal tendon near his ankle. The difference between that injury and Ortiz, is that Schilling’s sheath covering the tendon completely ruptured, while Ortiz’s is just a partial tear.

So what are the Sox options to replace Ortiz? For the interim, the team is looking internally for help as they are considering this as being short term, and not season-ending. “I think there are a lot of places to turn internally - not to replace David’s production because that’s impossible but for legitimate bats, we have places to turn.” Epstein said. Right now, one scenario is Manny Ramirez plays same games at DH while Coco Crisp joins Jacoby Ellsbury and JD Drew in the outfield. Another option is Sean Casey who is playing pretty well right now, batting .351 on the season with 8 rbis in 74 at bats. If they decide that the current plan isn’t working they could always visit the minor leagues.

“No one can fill David Ortiz’ shoes, obviously, but I think we are well-prepared to look at internal options,” general manager Theo Epstein said yesterday. “In this case, we’ve got Chris Carter, Brandon Moss and Jeff Bailey all tearing the cover off the ball in Triple A. Those guys deserve opportunities up here to show what they can do.”

Moss is a very intriguing option, as calling him up could also set the wheels in motion for a possible trade. Throughout the off-season there were numerous teams that were very interested in his services. This Ortiz injury could help the team showcase the abilities of Moss and Crisp. Once option we already know that will not be taking place, is Barry Bonds.

Be fun to see how the Red Sox respond to the current situation. Personally, I hope they fall flat on their faces.

Here’s an article at the Boston Herald, about Papi and the Sox.


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