Andrew Bailey To Undergo Surgery On Right Thumb, Likely To Return After All-Star Break

by Didier Morais on Tue, Apr 3, 2012 at 8:11PM

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Andrew Bailey will need surgery as expected. After visiting doctors in Boston and Cleveland, the Red Sox closer will undergo a procedure to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb.

The team announced the decision Tuesday afternoon. After the Red Sox toppled the Nationals 8-7, Boston manager Bobby Valentine said he expects Bailey to miss at least a few months of action.

"I don't think it will be before the All-Star break is what the trainer told me," Valentine said.

Despite the devastating loss, Valentine expressed confidence in the team's cast of relievers.

"The guys you've seen in the bullpen are going to hold down the fort, do their jobs to help us win a lot of games. You'll see [Alfredo] Aceves at the end of games. [Mark] Melancon will be at the end of games for sure."

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