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March 3, 2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Jonathan Papelbon, who was hit in the ankle by a line drive in the Red Sox' exhibition opener Thursday night, was walking around Friday morning almost as if nothing had happened, which was a big surprise to him.
''It's unbelievable how good it came out. I have a bruise only the size of a dime. I probably should be able to run tomorrow. The good Lord above was watching out for me,'' said Papelbon.
Papelbon was examined Friday morning. No x-rays were required.
''I've got full motion. No swelling,'' said Papelbon, who said he iced the ankle and kept it elevated when he slept Thursday night. ''I woke up and it was a little stiff. But I walked around and it loosened up. I feel 10 times better than I thought it would. Amazing.''
Infielder Dustin Pedroia, who came out of Thursday night's game because of a strained left shoulder, was scheduled to see the doctor Friday.
The highly touted second baseman/shortstop said he was feeling soreness in the back of the shoulder. He suffered the injury on a swing after entering the game as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning.
''I kind of strained the shoulder a little bit. My arm went numb for a bit. That's the first time that's ever happened. It was weird. It felt like a stinger I'd get when I played football long ago, something I'd get from hitting people,'' said Pedroia, who was expecting to get a decent amount of playing time at shortstop with Alex Cora and Alex Gonzalez participating in the World Baseball Classic.
''I'm concerned a little bit. I worked extremely hard in the offseason to prevent injuries. It's a freak deal,'' said Pedroia.
-- STEVEN KRASNER
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