Lovullo: Sox hope to need to see healthy Kalish

When Torey Lovullo managed Triple-A Pawtucket in 2010, Ryan Kalish joined him on June 1, earning a promotion from Double-A Portland. In 27 games with the PawSox, Kalish hit .261 with four home runs and 14 RBI, playing all three outfield positions. He wasnt with the PawSox long, though, before he earned another promotion, making his big league debut on July 31.
 
Kalish appeared in 53 games the rest of the way for the Red Sox, batting .252 with four home runs and 24 RBI, playing all three outfield positions. He tied American League rookies with 10 stolen bases, in 11 attempts, and was among the rookie leaders with three outfield assists. He became just the third big leaguer to hit two grand slams within the first six weeks of starting his career.
 
Since then, though, Kalishs career has taken a decided wrong turn, derailed by injuries. He was limited to just 24 minor league games in 2011, after partially tearing the labrum in his left (throwing) shoulder early in the season. He underwent two surgeries in the offseasonone in September to repair a bulging disc in his neck, another in November to repair the labrum --started the 2012 season on the 60-day disabled list, and wasnt activated until June 9 this past season.

But with the big league team ravaged by injuries, Kalish got three call-ups. Kalish, though, still recovering from his injuries, hit just .229, going 22-for-96 in 36 games, with just three extra-base hits, all doubles, and five RBI. He again played all three outfield positions.
 
Lovullo knows what a healthy Kalish is capable of doing, and is anxious to see the young outfielder return to that.

First of all, when Ryan Kalish is healthy hes as capable as any young player that the Red Sox have, Lovullo said.  I think we got a little snapshot of that in 2010 when he had a great run. Unfortunately, these injuries have kind of sidetracked him. My discussions with him since that time, even though its been brief, I think he has to find a way to make sure that he is a healthy ballplayer and one that is going to be moving forward and evaluating himself properly. You cant evaluate yourself when youre injured and I think that was the one comment that I continued to make to him.
 
So theres no doubt about his importance to the Boston Red Sox. I definitely plan on establishing a little bit more of a rapport with him, understanding where he is physically and mentally, and then doing all that I can in my area to make sure that we get the most of him like we did in 2010.