Knowing Boston’s appreciation for players who are “dirt dogs,” Shane Victorino probably made a lot of fans on Sunday.
Victorino crashed into the right-field fence while trying to rob Toronto’s Emilio Bonifacio of a home run in the fourth inning. The play left Victorino laying on the ground in pain, but he got back to his feet and stayed in the game until manager John Farrell decided to replace him before the start of the seventh inning.
“With the way Shane hit the wall, he started to stiffen up as the game went on and given what he’s been dealing with lower back-wise, we weren’t going to take any chances further today,” Farrell said after the game.
Victorino wasn’t available for comment after Sunday’s loss because he was headed to the hospital to have his ribs and back checked out. The Red Sox right fielder slammed into the fence with a great deal of force, and he has already missed time this season with a back issue.
We’ll obviously have to wait and see if there is any damage, but the Red Sox have the benefit of an off day on Monday, which should allow Victorino to get some extra rest. The hope is that he won’t miss any time.
“Everything points to him being ready for Tuesday, yes,” Farrell said.
Victorino has been a productive player this season, and he has shown tremendous grit as well. Don’t be surprised if you soon notice an increase in the number Flyin’ Hawaiian jerseys around Fenway Park.
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