Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

BALTIMORE _ The Red Sox may be downplaying Josh Beckett's situation publicly, but it could turn out to be a more serious matter.

Dr. Robert Shalvoy of University Orthopedics in Providence does not know the specifics of Beckett's numbness, but he fully understands the ramifications of the pitcher's symptoms.

"The Sox need to treat this pretty seriously," said Shalvoy.

The Sox can shut Beckett down and let the symptoms go away, but as the elbow continues to weaken, it's possible the right-hander could need surgery in 2-3 years, according to Shalvoy. The doctor also said if the Red Sox decide to have Beckett go for a MRI the results will certainly show abnormalities because the pitcher has been throwing hard for a long time.

Shalvoy, who obviously has not examined the pitcher, said normally these types of symptoms take six weeks to go away.

"This is a big deal for the organization and for Beckett," Shalvoy said. "He won't get better by missing a start."

Shalvoy, who has preformed ulnar collateral ligament surgeries, described Beckett's issue as "prime symptoms" for a pitcher who has needed Tommy John surgery to repair the damage.

 Tags  Josh Beckett Red Sox Robert Shalvoy

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