Scott Podsednik is hitting .389, so it's not insane for Bobby Valentine to keep playing him. But think about it. A $173-million payroll, and Scott Podsednik is starting in the outfield. In center, no less.
But this isn't because of poor planning, it's because the Boston Red Sox were ravaged by injuries. One of their best offseason acquisitions, Cody Ross, went down with a fractured foot right in the middle of an extended hot streak, missing close to a month. According to the Boston Globe, he's coming back on Tuesday:
Cody Ross started in right field for Pawtucket at Buffalo and was 0 for 4 along with being it by a pitch. But Ross took some good swings and is set to be activated Tuesday.
"Real strong report on him, everything he did,’’ Valentine said.
Of course, that Globe report comes just after the news that Ryan Sweeney went on the DL, so the carousel keeps spinning.
Friday night, Red Sox outfielder Cody Ross fouled a ball off of his left foot. Initial x-rays were negative, and it didn't look like Ross would need a stint on the disabled list. Then follow-up examinations revealed a bone fracture, and it looked like Ross could be out for 6-8 weeks. Then Ross went for a second opinion and declared he might not need to go on the DL. Give us a resolution, somebody.
Perfect. Unfortunately for Ross, he will have to miss a few weeks. Fortunately for Ross, he should not have to miss 6-8 weeks. There's a chance he could be ready to return to the Red Sox after the minimum, although we needn't get ahead of ourselves.
Scott Podsednik hasn't appeared in the majors since 2010, when he was okay and 34. Now he's 36, and over 31 games in triple-A, he's posted a .609 OPS. Just the facts, ma'am.
