Will Middlebrooks Cleared to Play After Hurting Right Wrist in Spring Training Game

by NESN Staff on Thu, Feb 28, 2013 at 12:05PM

It was déjà vu all over again.

When Will Middlebrooks left Wednesday night’s spring training game with a right wrist injury, the fear was that the third baseman had aggravated the same injury that sent him to the disabled list last year. Middlebrooks was having a stellar rookie season and was one of the few bright spots on the team before breaking his wrist in August.

Middlebrooks went to see a specialist Thursday morning, according to reports, and the news was good in Fort Myers. The third baseman has been cleared to play as soon as Friday.

Farrell on Middlebrooks: He's been cleared for baseball activities today. Could play tomorrow. #RedSoxST13
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Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) February 28, 2013

“It didn’t look good at the time,” manager John Farrell said Thursday morning. “He seems much better.”

While Middlebrooks said he was comfortable playing, the team said he’d likely rest for a day, although he was seen taking batting practice before Thursday’s game. Middlebrooks said he is past the point of having pain in the wrist and is just dealing with soreness. He said the pain Wednesday night likely came from his awkward check swing, and not any lingering damage.