WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A decision has yet to be made on whether or not closer Andrew Bailey will require surgery on his injured thumb, but a source with direct knowledge of the situation said the Red Sox closer would be sidelined "three to four months" if he has the operation.
A decision on whether or not Bailey will require surgery should be made by the end of the day. Contrary to some reports, Bailey will not be operated on today if it's decided that surgery is necessary. Bailey and Josh Beckett were examined Tuesday by Dr. Robert Graham in Cleveland.
The Red Sox reiterated that Beckett's examination was, as they'd said Monday, precautionary in nature, and that he will make his scheduled start Saturday in Detroit.
Manager Bobby Valentine said Tuesday that if Bailey is sidelined for "a while", he will name a replacement closer and not go with a closer by committee. He declined to identify who it would be because he said he hasn't spoken to the player yet.