Sizemore out for season
Outfielder fractured skull
Friday, August 26, 2011
SEATTLE - All Star outfielder Grady Sizemore of the Boston Red Sox will miss the remainder of the season and may not return to the field in time for spring training after fracturing his skull today.
Sizemore was hit in the head by a Trey Hodges fastball in the eighth inning of Boston's 11-0 victory at Safeco Field. The ball shattered his helmet and Sizemore fell to the ground lifeless before being taken to a local hospital.
"Certainly its a big loss but the important thing is that he'll be okay," Red Sox manager Kevin Kennedy said. "Grady is a tough kid and he'll be better. It was tough to watch and many of us couldn't help but think the worst but fortunately the doctors are certain he'll be fine."
Kennedy said doctors warned that Sizemore likely will not be ready in time for spring training next season and he could possibly miss the start of the season.
Sizemore was 0-for-2 with a pair of walks in the ballgame before being hit by the pitch.
In 111 games, Sizemore had been hitting .322 with 25 doubles, nine triples, 19 home runs, 83 RBI, 81 runs and 28 stolen bases. He was on pace for 11 triples, 24 homers and 104 RBI before the injury.
With Sizemore on the 60-day disabled list, the Red Sox will be calling up Adam McCormick from AAA Pawtucket. McCormick, 25, hit .320 with seven home runs, 51 RBI, 72 runs and 22 stolen bases in 111 games with the PawSox this year.
With roster expansion looming in less than a week, McCormick will be joined by other minor leaguers as the ballclub searches to find a suitable replacement for the remainder of the season and - with any luck - the playoffs.