Marco Scutaro built a reputation last year with the Red Sox as a warrior, playing through pain numerous times to lead the team in at-bats, hits and runs scored.
He tried to do the same in recent days, but finally had to take a seat with what the team is calling a left oblique strain. Scutaro was due to receive an MRI on Sunday morning. Regardless of the results, a DL stint was definitive.
"Even knowing that the MRI isn't going to be until this morning, we know he's going to be down for awhile with the symptoms," manager Terry Francona said.
Scutaro went 2-for-3 and made a sensational defensive play in Saturday's 4-0 win over Minnesota. But it was the latest in a series of games in which he had been feeling something on his left side. A lengthy rain delay did not help his cause and a move became necessary.
Scutaro is hoping it is only precautionary.
"We just want to make sure it doesn't get any worse," Scutaro said. "You've got to be careful with it. It's a pretty tough injury for hitters. You think you're good, and all of a sudden it comes back."
The veteran infielder is aware that serious oblique injuries can cause a player to miss up to two months, something nobody wants to see with Scutaro. Even in a part-time role, he is an important member of the team, or at least someone who could be dangled as trade bait if the organization wants to go that route.
Young shortstop Jose Iglesias has taken Scutaro's place on the active roster. Fellow minor leaguer Yamaico Navarro would've been the first choice, but he is injured as well.
