BOSTON — It turns out Pablo Sandoval’s respiratory infection was more serious than the Boston Red Sox thought.
Interim manager Torey Lovullo announced before Thursday’s series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays that the third baseman was diagnosed with pneumonia. Sandoval’s status for the rest of the season is uncertain, as the Red Sox understandably want to make sure he’s 100 percent before getting back on the field. Sandoval will be reevaluated Saturday.
“We’re having these discussions, but it’s just too premature for us to determine that,” Lovullo said. “We’ll know more on Saturday. We are sensitive to our players’ health, and we know that a player sitting in bed on Saturday with pneumonia could be a challenge for him to get out of bed and feel comfortable and strong within a few days’ time.”
It’ll be up to Sandoval to say when he’s ready, but the Red Sox still will make sure he doesn’t push it.
“We’re going to give Pablo every opportunity to let us know how he feels, and I already know what he’s going to want to do,” Lovullo said. “He’s going to want to slug his way right in there, but we have to be careful with this situation. Pneumonia is a very delicate thing, a very delicate sickness.”
Sandoval has been out of Boston’s lineup since Monday.
Thumbnail photo via Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports Images
