BOSTON – Franklin Morales was initially sidelined with a
tired shoulder. But now there's concern that the injury could be worse.
Before
Sunday's game, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Morales will get an MRI to determine the status of his shoulder.
"We're going to get a photograph of his shoulder
just to make sure we know what we're looking at," Valentine said.
"He's a little hesitant right now because he doesn't feel 100 percent
strength-wise. He's on a real holding pattern."
This isn't the first time Morales has been shelved by a
shoulder injury. The pitcher started spring training later than usual
while dealing with weakness in his left shoulder.
The training staff continued to monitor Morales' shoulder
over the season — especially as he flip-flopped between starting
and relieving — but never noticed anything out of the ordinary.
"There really was never any red flags or
deficiencies or a situation where he thought he had a situation,"
Valentine said. "I think right now, talking with him, he just doesn't feel
100 percent.
"He thinks he can pitch, he thinks he can throw, and
he's throwing long-toss, but at this time of the season, if a guy has any
qualms about his condition, I'd put it on the back burner."
During 37 appearances this season, including nine starts,
Morales has posted a 3-4 record with a 3.77 ERA. He has 76 strikeouts
through 76 1/3 innings.
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