Moreland's return short-lived, back on injured list
Martinez resting again with back spasms; Eovaldi to throw bullpen session
BOSTON -- A day after being activated, Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland was placed on the 10-day injured list with a new ailment -- one that sounds more significant than the low back strain that kept him out for 10 games.
Moreland now has a strained right quad, which he suffered in his second at-bat in Friday¡¯s loss to the Rays. The severity of the injury will be determined in the next day or so, as he undergoes further testing.
¡°He doesn¡¯t feel great,¡± said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. ¡°He¡¯s going to see the doctor and do all the testing and all that stuff. We¡¯ll know a little bit more, probably tonight, or tomorrow. For him to come out of the game, that tells you a lot, but I saw him this morning and he seemed OK, better. So we¡¯re about to find out.¡±
The latest injury to Moreland opened up a feel-good story, however -- the return of Marco Hernandez to the Red Sox.
Hernandez, who was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Moreland¡¯s spot on the roster, last played for the Sox on May 3, 2017 -- the night he suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder that required major surgery.
The versatile infielder¡¯s long road back from that ailment finally got him to Fenway Park again on Saturday.
¡°Oh, [it¡¯s] great,¡± said Cora. ¡°Everybody knows the story. It wasn¡¯t easy, but the fact that he¡¯s here is a testament to [his work ethic]. He did everything. The medical staff did an outstanding job. This kid, he¡¯s very talented, he¡¯s a great athlete. He went through a lot. For him to be here is great, very happy for him.¡±
Hernandez pinch-hit for Xander Bogaerts in the ninth inning of the Red Sox's 9-2 loss to the Rays in Game 1 of a day-night doubleheader on Saturday, and he recorded a double.
Worth noting
? The Red Sox were again without J.D. Martinez (back spasms) for both games of Saturday's doubleheader. Martinez has not been ruled out for Sunday¡¯s series finale.
? Righty Nathan Eovaldi will throw a bullpen session on Sunday in hopes of overcoming some of the mechanical issues that prevented him from starting a Minor League rehab assignment this weekend. Eovaldi could go on a rehab assignment next week if all goes well on Sunday.