The Red Sox are being extra cautious with Nick Green and his back issue, so much so that the utility man will remain sidelined through this weekend's series with the Yankees.
Green was experiencing what he referred to as "dead leg" in recent weeks, but team doctors later found out that he had a swollen disc which is pinching a nerve in his back. He will not be rejoining the team in the Bronx this weekend for the AL East rivals' final regular-season series.
"When you have a disc problem, it's usually because it's aggravated," Green's agent, Tom O'Connell, told ESPN.com. "The goal is to shrink it down to a size where it's not an issue.
"They're in the infantile stage of treating it. Hopefully he'll be able to get back on the field. His chances of being on the postseason roster — if he's healthy — are pretty solid. The ultimate goal is to be healthy for the postseason."
Manager Terry Francona explains that this back problem, although it sounds similar to pitcher Tim Wakefield's, is different than the veteran knuckleballer's.
"A bulging disc can sometimes be treated with [anti-inflammatories]," Francona said. "He could be OK tomorrow. Once it goes away, [Green is] going to be OK. Once they can alleviate [the swelling] he's got a chance to be OK."
Infielder Chris Woodward was recalled earlier this week and Jed Lowrie has seen some action at shortstop in Green's absence. Additionally, both players have been taking grounders at second and third base. Alex Gonzalez continues to start at shortstop, where he's been a very welcoming sight in the infield and at the dish.
