Notes: Damon, Renteria Scratched
Both suffering minor injures, but should return to action soon
By Ian Browne / MLB.com
May 07, 2005
BOSTON -- The bumps and bruises report continues to be eventful for the Red Sox these days. On Friday, center fielder Johnny Damon and shortstop Edgar Renteria were both victims and were left out of the lineup for the opener of a three-game series against the Mariners.
Damon, who has been hobbled by tightness in his left hamstring since hitting a first-inning double against Detroit's Mike Maroth on Tuesday, is confident the injury is nothing serious.
"I had a great night of rest," Damon said. "I feel good. The leg feels better than it was. Granted, I haven't been going out in the 50 degree weather and running around. It is going to be a little chilly."
Under normal circumstances, Damon probably would have gotten a day off in Detroit on either Wednesday or Thursday. But with Trot Nixon serving his two-game suspension and Manny Ramirez having right ankle woes those two days, the Sox were unusually short-handed.
"Manny was able to play [Friday], so we'll give Johnny at least part of the day off," Francona said. "It would be nice to give him the whole day, because he could really use it. He's a little banged up."
Renteria was in the original lineup, but had to take himself out after testing out his bruised right index finger, which was struck on an unsuccessful bunt attempt on Thursday afternoon. What prevented Renteria from playing was not being able to throw. He thinks his finger will improve enough to allow him to return to the lineup on Saturday.
"I hope it's just a one-day thing," said Renteria.
Jay Payton replaced Damon in center and Ramon Vazquez filled in at short. Those two players were both acquired from the Padres for Dave Roberts back in December.
"They kind of play the game the way you expect it," said Francona. "Ramon goes, wherever position you put him, he catches it. He throws to the right base. He knows how to play. It is reassuring. Same thing with Jay. Jay has gotten some real big hits already. Sometimes the contributions by the bench guys go farther, I think, then their batting average."
Without the two regulars, the Sox rolled to a 7-2 victory.
Back to 2005 Articles Page