Shane Victorino is spending his offseason at the beach. Just don’t expect to see a cooler, an umbrella or an Adirondack chair in sight.
Victorino informed WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford in a text message Sunday that he’s progressing nicely in his offseason training following back surgery that prematurely ended his 2014 campaign. The Boston Red Sox outfielder also can be seen running on the beach in two videos posted by Bradford.
“So far full go,” Victorino wrote to Bradford. “Picking up swinging this week. Throwing every day, and lifting, etc. So far, so good.”
Victorino dealt with several injuries last season, including the back injury that ultimately derailed his second year with Boston. He was limited to only 30 games, in which he hit .268 with two homers, 12 RBIs and a .303 on-base percentage.
There’s no denying that Victorino is a valuable asset when healthy, though. The two-time All-Star played a pivotal role in Boston’s 2013 World Series run, which featured several key hits from The Flyin’ Hawaiian. It’s unclear how exactly Victorino fits into the Red Sox’s 2015 plans — Hanley Ramirez, Rusney Castillo and Mookie Betts all figure to garner significant playing time in the outfield — but his return could provide a boost.
Victorino won his fourth career Gold Glove in 2013 in his first season as a full-time right fielder. The Red Sox can feel good that the 34-year-old is feeling good.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
