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August 29, 2007
To the surprise of no one, Manny Ramirez isn't in the lineup -- and probably won't play tomorrow, either, the result of a strained left oblique which flared up again Tuesday night.
Ramirez came out of the game after the seventh inning, complaining of back spasms. This afternoon, however, the Sox clarified the diagnosis, saying that it's more of an oblique (side of the back) issue. It's a condition the Sox have been monitoring for about a week. Ramirez also missed Sunday's game in Chicago.
He was examined by Stuart Hershon after the game Tuesday, then re-examined earlier today. Dr. Larry Ronan, one of the team of Red Sox physicians, is on his way to New York to examine him further.
Given that tomorrow is a day game, with not much time for turnaround, it's highly unlikely Ramirez will play in the series finale.
``That's fairly realistic (he won't play),'' acknowledged Terry Francona.
Bobby Kielty, who also suffered from some back spasms and came out of the game after replacing Ramirez, had x-rays taken today, which revealed no structural problems. Kielty, too, is day-to-day.
The injuries have left the Sox short of outfielders, with just Eric Hinske (starting in left), Coco Crisp and J.D. Drew. Francona indicated that Julio Lugo would be the emergecy outfielder. Lugo played some outfield with the Dodgers last season.
Francona said the Sox will have replacements soon as rosters expand -- Brandon Moss and Jacoby Ellsbury are certain callups -- but the Sox would like the Pawtucket players to finish out there season first.
``If we need somebody here (before that),'' said Francona, ``we'll get them. We don't think it's necessary for them to be (here ahead of the end of the International League season), but at the same time, we don't want to be caught short.''
Posted by Sean McAdam 
at 4:39 PM | Permalink
