Watch CBS News

Christian Vazquez Placed On 60-Day DL, Will Reportedly See Dr. James Andrews For Elbow Injury

BOSTON (CBS) -  There is one phrase in sports that no athlete wants to hear.

"We're sending you to see Dr. James Andrews to get a second opinion."

Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez is scheduled to visit the renowned orthopedic surgeon Wednesday after an MRI on his throwing elbow on Friday showed "something" according to the team.

"I don't know about the severity of it right now," Red Sox manager John Farrell told MLB.com's Ian Browne. "We know there have been findings based on the MRI. Anytime the elbow is talked about, you go to someone who is probably the source in our industry -- and that's Dr. Andrews -- to take a further look at this."

Boston placed Vazquez on the 60-day disabled list on Monday morning after the team acquired backstop Sandy Leon from the Washington Nationals.

Dr. Andrews will likely determine whether or not the 24-year-old backstop needs surgery to repair ligament damage in his right elbow, which could sideline him for the entire season.

Vazquez was pegged early on as the Opening Day catcher, but now that distinction appears to be in serious doubt. In 201 plate appearances in 2014, Vazquez hit for a .240 average, but his real impact came on the defensive end. Vazquez threw out 52 percent of runners and is one of the best in the league at framing pitches.


 

98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich talked to the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham Monday morning about Vazquez, among other topics.

Vazquez is meeting with Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday to get a second opinion on his throwing elbow. Meanwhile, the Red Sox have traded for a catcher in Sandy Leon, all but indicating that Vazquez will need Tommy John surgery to repair those damaged ligaments.

Listen below:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.