Moreland's return short-lived, back on injured list
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BOSTON -- A day after being activated, Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland was placed on the 10-day injured list with a new ailment -- one that sounds more significant than the low back strain that kept him out for 10 games.
Moreland now has a strained right quad, which he suffered in his second at-bat in Friday’s loss to the Rays. The severity of the injury will be determined in the next day or so, as he undergoes further testing.
“He doesn’t feel great,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “He’s going to see the doctor and do all the testing and all that stuff. We’ll know a little bit more, probably tonight, or tomorrow. For him to come out of the game, that tells you a lot, but I saw him this morning and he seemed OK, better. So we’re about to find out.”
The latest injury to Moreland opened up a feel-good story, however -- the return of Marco Hernández to the Red Sox.
Hernandez, who was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Moreland’s spot on the roster, last played for the Sox on May 3, 2017 -- the night he suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder that required major surgery.
The versatile infielder’s long road back from that ailment finally got him to Fenway Park again on Saturday.
“Oh, [it’s] great,” said Cora. “Everybody knows the story. It wasn’t easy, but the fact that he’s here is a testament to [his work ethic]. He did everything. The medical staff did an outstanding job. This kid, he’s very talented, he’s a great athlete. He went through a lot. For him to be here is great, very happy for him.”
Hernandez pinch-hit for Xander Bogaerts in the ninth inning of the Red Sox's 9-2 loss to the Rays in Game 1 of a day-night doubleheader on Saturday, and he recorded a double.
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Worth noting
• The Red Sox were again without J.D. Martinez (back spasms) for both games of Saturday's doubleheader. Martinez has not been ruled out for Sunday’s series finale.
• Righty Nathan Eovaldi will throw a bullpen session on Sunday in hopes of overcoming some of the mechanical issues that prevented him from starting a Minor League rehab assignment this weekend. Eovaldi could go on a rehab assignment next week if all goes well on Sunday.