Theo: Tendon 'completely intact,' surgery unlikely

Theo Epstein, meeting with reporters, stressed that the ECU tendon in David Ortiz's left wrist is completely intact, and has not been compromised. The partial tear, Epstein stressed, is in the sheath that holds the tendon in place. He likened it to Curt Schilling's ankle injury in 2004, when the sheath holding Schilling's ankle tendon ruptured. In Ortiz's case, it was not a full rupture, Epstein said, but a partial tear.

Because the tendon is intact, Epstein said, doctors are confident that if the wrist is immobilized for two to three weeks, there's a "pretty significant chance" the sheath will heal, which would make surgery unnecessary. The test will come when the cast is removed in two or three weeks. If the wrist is no longer tender and Ortiz is pain free, the tear will have resolved itself and Ortiz will begin activity that will allow him to return to playing status.

Epstein said "no one can fill David Ortiz's shoes" but that the club was satisfied with its internal options. That includes DH-OF Chris Carter, who was purchased from Pawtucket and will be making his major league debut. Carter was batting .310 with 10 HRs and 35 RBIs in 57 games. Carter got the nod over Brandon Moss, Epstein said, because Moss has only been back playing for a couple of weeks from his appendectomy and the club would like him to continue playing first base every day for the PawSox.

Epstein and scouting director Jason McLeod also offered some insights on Thursday's amateur draft. The Globe will have coverage beginning online tomorrow and in Thursday's paper.