Possible bad news in Boston: Closer Andrew Bailey might be forced to start the season on the DL because of a thumb injury, reports WEEI's Alex Speier. When asked about fresh injury concerns within the bullpen, manager Bobby Valentine's response was, well, beautifully cryptic: "If I add to that the way I should answer it," Valentine said, "you’ll be confused because you don’t have all the information, and I don’t know that I can give you all the information. The answer is yes. Don’t be confused by that answer. There might be a health situation."
Got that?
In any event, Bailey's uncertain status has cascaded through the rest of the Boston roster. Valentine acknowledged that the situation with his closer played a role in his decision to send Alfredo Aceves to the bullpen to start the season. Beyond that, Valentine might also be prompted to go with a 13-man staff in the early going.
Earlier in the spring, Bailey battled a lat injury and has been limited to just 6.0 innings of Grapefruit League play. While Bailey's status and timetable aren't yet known, it's possible that, if he does go on the DL retroactively, he'll be able to return by April 10.
If healthy, Bailey is potentially the equal of the departed Jonathan Papelbon, which is another way of saying he's a true "shutdown" closer. On the other hand, Bailey does have a bit of an injury history. In 2011, he missed more than 50 games because of a forearm strain, and he's also had some elbow concerns over the years, including a 2005 Tommy John procedure when he was in college. Since Bailey's alleged thumb soreness is on his throwing hand, it's likely making it difficult for him to grip the ball properly. At least, however, it's not an elbow or shoulder issue.
In any event, it's possible that Aceves will receive the save opps in Bailey's absence, should there even be an absence of Bailey.
