Boston Red Sox place Mike Napoli on the DL
The Boston Red Sox, who are currently on a nine game losing skid, have been dealt yet more bad news. First baseman Mike Napoli has been placed on the 15 day DL. In a corresponding move, Brandon Workman, a right handed reliever, has been called up from Triple-A-Pawtucket.
A sprained fourth finger, in his left hand, sparked the Red Sox to move him onto the DL. With big names like Shane Victorino, Will Middlebrooks and Felix Doubront already on the DL, the Red Sox may find it difficult to stop their losing streak. Xander Bogaerts is also thought to be carrying an injury, after being drawn from the game last night, but will start today for Boston. The move was retroactive to Saturday, the 25th of May.
#RedSox call up RHP Brandon Workman. Mike Napoli to 15-day DL, left 4th finger sprain, retro to 5/24, to make room on 25-man.
— Maureen Mullen (@MaureenaMullen) May 25, 2014
The Sox will sorely miss Napoli, who has been a key hitter and superb defender at first base for them, since he joined last season. He had been hitting .260 with a .390 on base percentage and a .416 slugging percentage which made for a .806 OPS. He had already blasted five home runs and drove in 22 runners in only 43 games, so far.
Last season, Napoli was integral in their World Series winning campaign, slugging 23 home runs and knocking in 92 runners. The Red Sox, who can’t call upon Stephen Drew until the 2nd of June, will really have to up their game, if they are to stand any chance of snapping their losing streak.