According to the Boston Red Sox, third baseman Pablo Sandoval has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with what they're calling a strained shoulder.
Of course, the circumstances and specifically the timing of Sandoval's injury are already being questioned, especially considering there were no previous reports of Sandoval suffering an injury, let alone needing time to recover. On the surface, it seems plausible that the Red Sox are simply buying Sandoval time to get away from the scrutiny he's been facing all spring and to get in better shape both mentally and physically.
Manager John Farrell hasn't gone out of his way to deny that possibility either. In fact, he acknowledged to the Boston media that taking a “breather” could do Sandoval some good, while adding he'll have time to focus on his conditioning.
 | @alexspeier | |
Farrell says Sandoval reported the left shoulder issue today. He acknowledges Sandoval might benefit from breather.
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| @alexspeier | |
Farrell suggests possibility that 'a breather gives him a chance to step away from the scrutiny he's under'
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Farrell did note that Sandoval may have tweaked the shoulder while taking extra batting practice this week. That seemed to be what Sandoval hinted at as well, noting that he suffered a similar injury five years ago.
 | @EvanDrellich | |
Pablo Sandoval said he woke up and couldn't move his arm. Said he went through same thing in 2011. Next step unclear to see doc tonight.
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It would be ironic if the extra work Boston wanted Sandoval to put in actually led to him aggravating a previous injury, rather than helping him get back on track. We should know more about Sandoval's status on Thursday, but until then and probably even after a diagnosis is made, questions will be asked.
If this is more of a paid vacation geared toward giving the Red Sox a break and restarting Sandoval's season, it wouldn't be the first time a team has used the DL to their advantage. That actually happens frequently, whether it's to let a player clear his mind or keep them from having to make a difficult roster decision. Sandoval would be a pretty high profile case though, especially given the five-year, $95 million contract he signed prior to the 2015 season.
Sandoval hasn't come close to living up to expectations in Boston. Last season, he hit just .245/.292/.366 with ten homers and 46 RBIs, while the Red Sox collectively disappointed with another last place finish. This season, he arrived out of shape, lost his third base job to Travis Shaw and has only appeared in three games total, while starting just one.
He's as deep in John Farrell's doghouse as he could possibly be for a variety of reasons, so regardless of the how's and why's, a break will definitely be good for everybody involved.
The focus now turns to what this could mean for Sandoval two weeks or maybe a month from now if he's deemed ready to come back. Will he be in shape? If so, will John Farrell make room for him?
| @alexspeier | |
Farrell says Sox remain convinced 'There's a darn good player in there' with Sandoval.
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That sounds promising for Sandoval, but there's a long way to go before this drama will be played out.
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