BOSTONRight-hander Alfredo Aceves will not fly with the team when it leaves for its nine-game west coast trip following Mondays homestand finale with the Royals. Aceves was suspended by the Red Sox for three games following Fridays game for conduct detrimental to the team.
I expect him to be in California, though, said manager Bobby Valentine.
Aceves has not been at Fenway Park since his suspension. Valentine expects the right-hander to be ready and available to pitch when the suspension is over, beginning Tuesday.
Hell be ready to pitch, Valentine said. I believe hell be OK to pitch. I would think that hes working out. Hes a workout fanatic. Hes not just sitting around eating popcorn.
But what role Aceves will have remains to be determined, Valentine said. Andrew Bailey will be the closer, if necessary, Monday. Mark Melancon earned his first save of the season on Sunday.
Valentine was not sure but thought he might have suspended players in his past managerial tenures.
I think it might have been over a drug situation a couple of times, before there was a big drug policy, he said. I dont remember.
Boston Red Sox
Asked if he was concerned about any repercussions with Aceves because of the suspension, Valentine replied:
I guess. It just deals with being responsible for your actions and understanding that all actions have consequence. Its just a simple rule. Remember, I dont have a lot of rules, but one of the rules I stated early on is that you dont do anything to embarrass yourself, your teammates or your organization. Thats a rule.
It is highly unusual for a team to suspend its own player. Jim Rice was the last player suspended by the Red Sox. On July 20, 1988, manager Joe Morgan called Rice back from the on-deck circle and had Spike Owen pinch-hit for him. The move enraged Rice, who pulled Morgan into the dugout tunnel where an altercation ensued. Rice was suspended by the team for three games.
Clay Buchholz will start Tuesday in Anaheim, with Jon Lester starting on Thursday. Wednesdays starter is still unknown. But, Valentine said, he does not think it will be left-hander Franklin Morales.
Third baseman Will Middlebrooks will not be on the west coast trip. On the disabled list since Aug. 11 with a right wrist fracture, Middlebrooks has several check-ups scheduled for this week.
Shortstop Jose Iglesias has not been in the starting lineup since being called up on Saturday. He made his season debut that day as a pinch-runner in the ninth inning of the 12-inning loss. He played Friday for Triple-A Pawtucket, after sitting out since Aug. 19, injuring his left leg sliding into home. Valentine was not concerned about keeping the highly valued prospect on the bench.
Hes here to help us win games when needed, Valentine said.