By Maureen Mullen
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BOSTON -- A day after setting career high in hits, times on base, and runs scored, Josh Reddick is out of the starting lineup for the finale of the series against the Rangers at Fenway Park. Reddick, who was was hit on the hand in his final plate appearance last night, had an ice pack on his hand this morning.
Redds pretty sore, manager Terry Francona said. Structurally hes fine. He just got a pretty good bruise. I think what well do is well certainly stay away from him today, let him concentrate on the ice and whatever they want to do in there as opposed to trying to pick up a bat and come back a day too early. The hope would be that we could get him some treatment today, calm that thing down and maybe have him available tomorrow.
Jed Lowrie is also out of the starting lineup. He left Saturdays game with tightness in his left shoulder.
Jeds doing OK, Francona said. Hes actually doing pretty well. I think . . . it was certainly more precautionary. We just wanted to nip something before it got worse and I think we did that. Because of our situations at times weve played guys . . . Kevin Youkilis wasnt available and was on the DL so sometimes you just dont want to go too far with guys.
Red Sox pitchers entered the game leading the majors with 72 hit batters. John Lackey, who leads all pitchers in that category, extended his lead to 18 hit batters when he hit Josh Hamilton with two outs in the first inning Sunday.
Its probably an indication of a couple of things," Francona said. One is you need to pitch in aggressively or these big, strong guys are going to kill you. And then there are probably times when weve had guys that havent commanded. Like Kyle Weilands game his major league debut when he hit two batters. Theres days like that too where you get a young kid that whacks somebody because hes probably nervous. But I do know we feel the need to pitch in and pitch in aggressively or you get beat up too much.
Alfredo Aceves is also among the leaders, entering Sundays game with 11 hit batters 90 13 innings (compared to Lackeys 136 13).
Boston Red Sox
Ryan Lavarnway will join the Red Sox in Toronto Monday. Triple-A Pawtucket claimed the International League North title Saturday and will wrap up the regular season Monday. Playoffs begin Wednesday. While the big league team is aware of Pawtuckets status, the fortune of the big league team trumps that.
I think we have to be realistic, Francona said. What we do here is more important. Its not taking away from what theyre doing. I just think there's a way to do it where we dont have to have mass call-ups where it really doesnt help us. We can let them finish their season out and if we need somebody we can always go get them. It just seems like it makes sense. We could call up seven guys and have them sit here or you could let them play there and get regular innings and regular at-bats. Then if we need them well call them up.
"Plus the fact that since thats the case, these guys have worked hard. They should get to enjoy the playoff experience. Again, we wouldnt sacrifice a game here for that but wed like to see them play and have a chance to win.
And, having the playoff experience is a vital part of player development.
I think its good, Francona said. I think its real good actually. The young kids that come up together they have that feeling of . . . I dont know if its family, but that togetherness that you only have with guys you come up through the minor leagues with. So I think thats true. In player development you never sacrifice the development for winning but when theyre able to win, I think its really good for them.
Francona was asked about some of the newer metrics designed to measure defensive ability and efficiency. Hes not a big fan.
To be honest with you, these ratings, and theres a few different ones, he said. Some confuse me. I know theyre trying to be able to evaluate defense without just looking with the naked eye. Even the UZR rating, you look at some of these ratings, its a little suspect so I dont know. I dont think its a problem when you see your guys every day. We know what they can do and what they can't do. I think what it helps is when you see a guy three or four times a year.
With or without the metrics, hes satisfied with his teams defense.
I think out outfield has been pretty athletic, which is good, he said. Jacoby being healthy and feeling good about himself has been huge. Carl in left field, hes good and whoever weve had in right, whether its J.D. or Reddick or Mac has been pretty solid. Gonzies a really good first baseman. Pedeys as good as you're ever going to find. Scoot is a guy who, when hes out there, makes the average play, which is what you need. And Youk going to third has been huge for us because he can go to third. And the fact that hes been a first baseman and has the ability to go to third is huge. Our catchers have done terrific. Take away the first two weeks of the season, Saltys been one of the better throwers.
Maureen Mullen is on Twitter at http:twitter.commaureenamullen