The book officially is closed on Blake Swihart’s 2016 campaign.
The Boston Red Sox outfielder/catcher underwent successful surgery on his left ankle Monday and will miss the remainder of the season, the team announced Tuesday.
Dr. Robert Anderson performed Swihart’s surgery at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., and the 24-year-old is expected to make a full recovery before spring training begins in February 2017.
Swihart injured his ankle during a June 4 game against the Toronto Blue Jays, when he slammed into the wall at Fenway Park while going after a fly ball. He was diagnosed with a severe ankle sprain, and while his initial timetable for return was six to eight weeks, it appears the Red Sox are playing it safe with their young utility man and ensuring he’ll be ready for 2017.
Swihart played in just 19 games for Boston this season, posting a .258/.365/.355 slash line with zero home runs and five RBIs. He began the season at catcher, but an injury to Brock Holt in part prompted the Red Sox to shift him to the outfield.
Thumbnail photo via Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports Images
