Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. _ Red Sox outfielder Rocco Baldelli did not make the trip here Saturday morning due to tightness in his groin.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said it's not serious and Baldelli will DH against Tampa on Sunday at City of Palms Park

"Maybe. We ll see," said Francona. "He's a little tight in his groin, so I really didn't want to push that. It's been the last couple days. So it makes sense to stay away until he's not feeling it anymore."

The Sox signed the Rhode Island native during the offseason to serve as the club's fourth outfielder and as the DH when David Ortiz needs a day off. Becaues Ortiz is playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, Baldellli has been able to DH more this spring.

"He loves it," said Francona. "Anytime we can get him at-bats down here as a DH, he loves it. Save all the energy of going in the outfield. He's already a good outfielder, so anytime we can get him at-bats down here he loves it."

 Tags  Red Sox Rocco Baldelli spring training

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