Friday, 2:30 p.m.: Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell said Friday morning that all signs pointed toward outfielder Shane Victorino missing the home opener at Fenway Park. The flu was no match for Victorino’s toughness, though.
Victorino fought off his illness to receive his World Series ring during the Red Sox’s pregame on-field ceremony. The Flyin’ Hawaiian received a huge ovation from the Fenway Faithful.
A montage of Victorino played on the big screen before the 33-year-old, who’s currently on the disabled list with a strained hamstring, emerged from the dugout. The veteran outfielder even rubbed elbows with his teammates to avoid spreading any germs.
What a teammate.
Friday, 11:50 a.m. ET: The Boston Red Sox’s World Series ring ceremony likely will be missing one of 2013’s most valuable contributors.
Outfielder Shane Victorino, who’s currently on the 15-day disabled list with a strained hamstring, was among those missing from the Red Sox’s clubhouse Friday morning. According to Red Sox manager John Farrell, Victorino still is battling the flu and is unlikely to attend Friday’s ring ceremony/home opener at Fenway Park.
It’s been a rough week for Victorino. The 33-year-old was placed on the DL before Monday’s season opener, and he then came down with the flu, which restricted him to the team hotel while in Baltimore. Victorino and the Red Sox are being cautious at this point so that the outfielder’s sickness doesn’t spread throughout the team.
Victorino batted .294 with 15 homers and 61 RBIs in 122 regular-season games last season. He also provided several key hits throughout the playoffs, including a game-winning grand slam in Game 6 of the ALCS.
