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Francona discusses his, Ortiz' ailments

Email|Link|Comments (2) Posted by Matt Porter, Globe Correspondent July 16, 2008 12:45 PM

Red Sox manager Terry Francona confirmed a report by the Globe's Gordon Edes today that said he would have an injection to alleviate numbness and pain on his left side today at Massachusetts General Hospital. Francona told WEEI's Dale and Holley show that the procedure is connected to an old back injury, and that today's day off is, "the only time I could do it."

"My body is falling apart at times," added Francona. "I've had a ton of numbness and weakness in my left arm. I've got to get it taken care of, because we've got a lot of baseball left to play." The Sox resume play Friday night in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels.

In other injury-related news, Francona said David Ortiz will play tomorrow in Pawtucket and will play for the PawSox until Sunday's game against the Toledo Mud Hens.

Ortiz showed flashes of his pre-injury self during batting practice before the All-Star game. "He was hitting some balls pretty deep up into that second deck, which is pretty good news for Red Sox fans," said Francona.

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2 comments so far...

Very good news indeed! Sox fans are waiting for Big Papi.

Posted by Koji Takao July 16, 08 10:13 PM

First time I've ever commented in any kind of Internet forum but I am moved by Terry Francona's issues as much as David Ortiz. I am amazed at what Terry has been through physically and how hard he has to work day in and day out to just stay a productive person. Add to that the challenges of being the Red Sox manager, his deftness at handling the communication portion of his job and the success he has had overall and you begin to appreciate the fact that this is special person that has directly and positively affected our lives as fans.

Posted by Bob S. July 17, 08 11:09 AM