Adrian Beltre’s Strained Hamstring Shouldn’t Keep Him Down Too Long

Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre has had an All-Star first half, and he was rewarded with his first-ever invitation to the Midsummer Classic. But Beltre, who has been a rock for the Red Sox this season, pulled up with a tight hamstring in Sunday’s game against the Blue Jays.

Terry Francona said Beltre has a strained hamstring, and the team will check in with him every day of the All-Star break to determine the course of treatment.

After the game, Beltre said he would like to play in the All-Star Game on Tuesday night, but that he wouldn’t jeopardize the second half of the season to do so. He said he would see how he feels on Monday to determine if he will play or not. I bet the team is secretly hoping he doesn’t. 

With nine players already on the disabled list, the Red Sox need to keep Beltre off it – and on the field.  Beltre has 13 home runs and a team-leading .330 batting average. He is a tough player and a fierce competitor. 

If he can play at all, I know he will be out there. Let’s just hope he isn’t the latest Red Sox casualty. But if I were a betting person, I would say he’ll be in the lineup Thursday when the Sox return from the break.