He got a delayed start this spring with the core strength issues, and now this:
Shane's tenuous medical track record and oft-reckless playing style are what sparked a good chunk of the skeptical criticism when the Sox signed him last winter. 2013 saw him play through most of the nags and minor stuff, though he did have one 15-day DL stint for his left hamstring. Still, he was pretty beat up by season's end, and I'm sure good chunk of his off-season was spent licking the wounds even beyond his thumb surgery (courtesy of Baseball Prospectus):
[tablegrid=] Days Games Shelved Returned Transaction Missed Missed Side Body Part Injury 2013-03-27 2013-03-27 Camp 0 0 Right Wrist Inflammation 2013-04-21 2013-04-22 DTD 1 2 -0 Low Back Tightness 2013-04-25 2013-05-03 DTD 8 7 -0 Low Back Soreness 2013-05-13 2013-05-14 DTD 1 0 -0 Ribcage Contusion 2013-05-17 2013-05-19 DTD 2 2 -0 Low Back Spasms 2013-05-21 2013-06-08 15-DL 18 16 Left Hamstring Strain 2013-06-24 2013-06-25 DTD 1 0 -0 Low Back Tightness 2013-07-07 2013-07-09 DTD 2 2 Left Hamstring Tightness 2013-07-20 2013-07-21 DTD 1 1 Left Hamstring Strain 2013-08-16 2013-08-16 DTD 0 0 Left Hamstring Strain 2013-09-02 2013-09-02 DTD 0 0 Left Hip Contusion 2013-09-19 2013-09-20 DTD 1 1 Right Thumb Sprain 2013-10-27 2013-10-30 DTD 3 0 -0 Low Back Soreness 2013-12-16 2013-12-16 Offseason 0 0 Right Thumb Surgery [/tablegrid]
Those same critics (and probably some of those who favored that contract) may be more acutely nervous now. I was one of those supporters, but I also believe his well-being and lineup presence will be the single most important non-pitching bellwether in terms of how closely this team can replicate last year's success. His absence creates a cascade of other issues, from lineup depth to defensive range & efficiency in baseball's most expansive right field, and from basepath speed & disruption to a lack of spark and contagious energy.
Brian MacPherson @brianmacp
Shane Victorino felt his right hamstring grab today. Farrell said Victorino will get an MRI on the hamstring, likely back in Boston.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Victorino (right hamstring) needs MRI and likely headed back to Boston. No roster move yet.
Maureen Mullen @MaureenaMullen
Victorino felt Rt hamstring grab running down line in 2d AB today. Will get MRI, likely in BOS. Status uncertain till then.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe 3m
“I’ll be fine. I’ll be ready to go. That’s all you guys need to know,” Victorino told reporters.
Scott Lauber @ScottLauber 13m
Given uncertainty over Victorino, Jackie Bradley Jr. is "on call," Farrell said, though not traveling to Baltimore tonight with team
Shane's tenuous medical track record and oft-reckless playing style are what sparked a good chunk of the skeptical criticism when the Sox signed him last winter. 2013 saw him play through most of the nags and minor stuff, though he did have one 15-day DL stint for his left hamstring. Still, he was pretty beat up by season's end, and I'm sure good chunk of his off-season was spent licking the wounds even beyond his thumb surgery (courtesy of Baseball Prospectus):
[tablegrid=]
Those same critics (and probably some of those who favored that contract) may be more acutely nervous now. I was one of those supporters, but I also believe his well-being and lineup presence will be the single most important non-pitching bellwether in terms of how closely this team can replicate last year's success. His absence creates a cascade of other issues, from lineup depth to defensive range & efficiency in baseball's most expansive right field, and from basepath speed & disruption to a lack of spark and contagious energy.