Kapler: 'Pretty hard' to hear of Ortiz shooting
Phillies skipper won 2004 World Series alongside slugger in Boston
PHILADELPHIA – Phillies manager Gabe Kapler played parts of four seasons with David Ortiz in Boston. They won a World Series together in 2004.
“David is as good a person, a teammate, as you'd ever want to be around,” Kapler said Monday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. “I've known him forever, since our days in the Florida State League in 1997.”
His comments followed the news that Ortiz had been shot Sunday at an amusement center in his hometown of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Ortiz was in stable condition and expected to be OK.
"Pretty painful,” Kapler said about the news. “Pretty hard this morning to wake up and read that.
“It’s tragic when gun violence hurts a friend. It's tragic when gun violence impacts anybody. Any time something like this happens it's an opportunity for us to raise awareness. I have no doubt that David will use that platform the right way."
Seranthony hopes for a miracle
Right-hander Seranthony Domínguez will see Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion on his injured right elbow on Thursday or Friday. He could be headed toward season-ending Tommy John surgery.
“At this point, I’m hoping for a miracle,” Dominguez said through the team’s interpreter. “I don’t want to lose too much time because I know Tommy John means it’s a long recovery process. I want to help this team now. I don’t want to lose too much time. After a second opinion, if they tell me that’s what I have to do, then I have no choice.”
Injury updates
• Right-hander Pat Neshek (strained right shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday. Left-hander Adam Morgan (strained left forearm) continues to progress and remains on a similar schedule as Neshek.
• Right-hander Tommy Hunter (strained right forearm) threw a bullpen session Monday in Clearwater, Fla. It went well.
“He's getting close but there’s still a bit of progression yet to happen,” Kapler said.
• Outfielder Roman Quinn (strained right groin) and right-hander Edubray Ramos (right biceps tendinitis) began rehab assignments Monday with Class A Clearwater.
"I think [Quinn] feels pretty close to being ready,” Kapler said. “Some of this is going to be dependent on how he reports after the seven-inning game [Monday], and we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves. Assuming everything goes smoothly. it's going to be based on how he feels."