The right-hander has been “shut down,” according to Red Sox manager John Farrell. Bard will be kept to just throwing bullpen sessions in the meanwhile.

This season in Double-A, Bard, 27, has an 0-1 record and 6.39 ERA to go with 17 walks in 12 2/3 innings in his first Double-A playing time since 2008. Bard has also thrown eight wild pitches. That’s after a nightmarish season in 2012, when he failed as a starter (4-6, 5.30 ERA) and could not re-establish himself as a reliever (16.20 ERA in MLB, 7.03 ERA in Triple-A). This year in the majors, he has a 9.00 ERA in his one inning, with two walks and one strikeout.

As recently as May 16, Farrell said shutting down Bard was not an option.

“We haven’t gotten to that point of just taking the ball out of his hand and letting something just take its natural course to resolve itself,” Farrell said, according to MassLive.com. “I don’t think we’re of the mind-set that things are going to just turn for the sake of turning. You’re looking to do something, you’re looking to be proactive, address something with getting involved in a situation like this, and we continue to do so. I’m sure no one is more frustrated than Daniel is.”

It’s unclear what Bard’s future will be, but the most recent setback ensures that his road back to the major leagues just got even longer.

Peter Abraham joined Toucher & Rich to discuss Lester’s struggles against Chicago and another injury to outfielder Shane Victorino.

Victorino left in the sixth inning after experiencing tightness in his left hamstring. This is the fifth time this season that Victorino exited a game early with an injury, with the outfielder missing a week in April because of tightness in his lower back and also sitting out two games last week after the injury flared up.

What’s going on with this Victorino? Is this going to be an issue for the Red Sox as time goes on? What can be done to fix the problem?

They moved on to talk about how Lester has struggled against the White Sox throughout his career. Why does he seem to always have a problem with the other Sox in the American League?

They also talked about Daniel Bard’s continued struggles in the minors.

Those seem very possible for Red Sox starter Jon Lester after an amazing start to the 2013 season. He’s followed up his abysmal 2012 by starting this campaign 6-0 with a 2.72 ERA over his first nine starts, with Boston going 7-2 in those games.

But none of those personal accolades were on Lester’s list of goals when he arrived at Spring Training in April.

There are only two words that come to mind when Lester thinks about the end of the 2013 season.

“World Series,” Lester told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 AM’s Jonny Miller when asked what his goals were this season. “You can take last year, obviously as much as a struggle as it was, if we win a World Series it doesn’t matter. Our ultimate goal whenever when we walk into that clubhouse in Spring Training is to win the World Series, not for me or (Clay) Bucchholz or someone to win 20 games.”

“You want to have a good solid season, help contribute, and get this team to the World Series and hopefully win it.”

Read: Red Sox-White Sox Preview

The calendar is a long way from October, but the fire is burning hot inside Lester. He’ll try to become the first Red Sox lefty to start 7-0 in 40 seasons on Monday night when Boston begins a three-game series with the White Sox in Chicago.

Lester did say he enters each season striving to make each of his starts and give the Red Sox 200+ innings of work (on his current pace, Lester would log 217 innings).

But the main focus is, and always will be, winning a championship.

Lester said he didn’t change his approach too much this offseason after going 9-14 in 2012, but he focused more on the little things on the mound. That, and the attention to detail and upbeat nature of new pitching coach Juan Nieves, have made the difference.

“I don’t want to say I paid a little more attention to detail, but I think that was really it. I just really tried to focus on my mechanics and made sure those were right heading into Spring Training.”

“It’s been good to have him,” Lester said of Nieves. “Just how positive and upbeat he is, how meticulous he is with scouting reports and being prepared. That goes back to spring training; the first day you walk in there and sit down with him he lays out a map of what we’re trying to accomplish. There’s nothing more you can ask of a pitching coach. He’s given all we asked from him and sometimes more.”

Despite his 6-0 record, Lester still says he isn’t throwing the ball as well as he can. His success has come without a consistent curveball, but he’s been able to use his other pitches successfully.

“It’s been nice how I started this season with how I felt. I haven’t felt I’ve put a full game together from pitch one to whenever I’ve done,” he said. “For the most part I’ve pitched this year without a curveball, so I think the biggest pitch for me has been my changeup and how effective it’s been – how consistent it’s been. Without having that breaking ball it’s slowed guys enough that I’m able to get in on guys with the fastball and cutter.”

Read: Red Sox Activate Reliever Andrew Bailey

So where has that curveball gone?

“It’s a feel pitch, just like your changeup,” said Lester. “One day you can wake up, and you grip it the same way every time and it just doesn’t feel right. That’s the way it is and that’s the way it was with my curveball. I feel better with it, but it’s a continued work in progress and something you work through throughout the season.”

While a World Series title is his number one prize, Lester wants to show teammates and fans alike that his and the team’s 2012 is not the norm over at Yawkey Way.

“The biggest thing for me is to prove it was a fluke and I’m still an effective pitcher on this team. As far as the team, we have to get back to being the Boston Red Sox and prove last year was a fluke for us, a blip on the radar, and come in and play better baseball and the do the little things right. I think we’ve done that so far.”

Bailey, who has been out of action since April 29 with a right biceps strain, struck out two batters and allowed one run in an inning of work during a rehab appearance with Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday night.

He was 1-0 with five saves and a 1.46 ERA before the injury, and took over Boston’s closer’s role for the injured/ineffective Joel Hanrahan. Bailey has struck out 20 batters in just 12.1 innings pitched, ranking him fourth among qualifying American League relievers with 14.6 strikeouts per nine innings.

It’s unclear if Bailey will be reinserted as the team’s closer, or if Junichi Tazawa will continue to pitch the ninth inning for Boston.

To make room for Bailey on the 25-man roster, right-hander Jose De La Torre was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket after Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Twins.

Read: Red Sox-White Sox Preview

The Red Sox open a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago on Monday — their final series of a nine-game road trip.

In addition to the Tommy John surgery, Hanrahan also had his right flexor tendon repaired by the famous Dr. James Andrews in Florida.

Recovery from Tommy John surgery typically takes 12-16 months.

Boston acquired Hanrahan from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the off-season with the hopes he would be their closer. He struggled to start the season, going four-for-six in save opportunities with a 9.82 ERA, and made two DL trips before being shut down for the season.

“It wasn’t grabbing me that much, but it was still grabbing me a little bit,” Ortiz told reporters after Tuesday night’s loss. “That’s why I’ve been pulling everything, it feels like. Hopefully, it doesn’t get any worse.”

Ortiz said the tightness he’s felt in his left oblique first showed up during Boston’s series in Texas at the beginning of the month. He went just 3-for-25 in a seven-game home stand last week, but other than a day-off on Sunday hasn’t thought about missing any time.

“I’m going to keep on playing,” he said. “It’s not at the point where it’s getting worse. Hopefully it won’t get any worse. It bothers me on some swings that I take. Last week I was watching some videos of outside pitches I was kind of pulling. When you get to the point where you want to drive the ball the other way and the next thing you know, you’re hooking the ball, that’s not normal.”

Preview: Lester Set To Face Off Against Rays’ David Price

“I’ve got to play; I’ve had enough time off,” Ortiz said. “It’s not at a point where you can pull [the muscle]. If you pull it, then you’re definitely not able to play. I just come in early to treat it and try to move forward.”

The 37-year-old Ortiz is hitting .329 with five homes and 20 RBIs in 20 games since returning from an Achilles injury on April 20.

During Sunday’s 12-4 loss to the Blue Jays, Boston right fielder Shane Victorino was taken to the hospital to have his ribs examined on  following a hard crash into the right field wall.

Victorino gave chase to a fourth inning Emilio Bonifacio home run, keeping his eyes on the ball, but ran out of room and right into the short fence in front of the Toronto bullpen. He fell to the ground in obvious pain, but remained in the game for two more innings before leaving for the hospital.

“The way Shane hit the wall, he started to stiffen up as the game went on,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said after the loss. “Given what he’s been dealing with, low back-wise, we weren’t going to take any chances further today.”

A back issue plagued Victorino  in late April, causing him to miss seven games. He returned on a full-time basis on May 3 and has been on a bit of a tear, batting .393 with six runs scored and two home runs in the last seven days.

Farrell sounded optimistic that Victorino would be good to go when Boston opens a three-game series (and nine-game road trip) in Tampa on Tuesday.

“Everything to points to him being ready for Tuesday,” Farrell said.

Earlier this week, Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks and catcher David Ross collided with each other while giving chase to a foul ball. Middlebrooks missed a game with sore ribs after crashing into the wall in foul territory. Ross only missed one game as well, but was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list on Sunday after suffering a head injury in Saturday’s loss.

The 31-year old right-hander said Saturday the operation likely will be performed by Dr. James Andrews, probably next week.

“After talking with the doctors here and going down to see Dr. Andrews, he confirmed what the doctors here thought,” Hanrahan said in Boston’s clubhouse. “I’m going to have to get surgery to repair my flexor tendon. It’s something that, after hearing the doctors here, it’s something I kind of prepared for. He just reaffirmed those. I’m going to get it done next week and start the process of getting healthy.”

Hanrahan walked off the mound in the ninth inning of Monday’s 6-5, 11-inning win over Minnesota after throwing a pitch.

He tweeted that he’s disappointed with the situation and hopes to be back with the Red Sox next year.

“Definitely not the way I wanted my time here with the Red Sox to go, hopefully I’ll get a chance to show (Red Sox Nation) the real pitcher I am someday,” Hanrahan tweeted. “Thank you to everyone for their well wishes and prayers! Things happen for a reason. I’ll be back and look forward to dominating my rehab!”

Obtained from Pittsburgh in an offseason trade, the two-time All-Star is making $7.04 million this year and is eligible for free agency after the World Series. He is 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA in nine games and was on the disabled list from April 14 to May 7 with a strained right hamstring.

During his brief stint with the Red Sox, he conveted four of six save chances. Now, he’s hoping that it’s only the forearm that needs surgery — and not a elbow ligament-replacement operation, as well.

“He’ll look at that when he’s in there. The MRI said it looked pretty good,” Hanrahan said. “Nobody wants to just do Tommy John for fun. He’s going to go in and look and see if that’s something that needs to be done or not. As of now, it doesn’t need to be. But once he gets his eyes on it, he’ll have a better idea.”

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

All of that is what makes him “Big Papi.”

However, because of that, perhaps he is too easy of a target sometimes.

You can ask Ortiz pretty much anything about his team, his hitting, his slumping, and even his personal life. I’ve had many conversations over the years where we’ve just talked about anything and everything; from the NBA playoffs to kids to coaches, all the way down the line. Many times, we’ve had a conversation and we’ll stumble into what I think is an interesting topic that the fans may want to hear about, so I end up asking him to go on-camera about it.

And nearly every time, Ortiz will oblige.

But that is the very thing that I think that got him into trouble this week.

My media colleague Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe recently wrote a column based on a conversation he had with Ortiz about David’s hot start at the plate. But what it centered around performance enhancing drugs. Here’s an exchange from the article:

Did he hear the fans in Toronto chanting, “Steroids!’’?

“No, not really,” said Ortiz. “Why?’’

Because what you are doing looks too good to be true.

“They test me all the time,” he said. “They make you pee and they test your blood, too. This year I would say I’ve probably been tested five times, peeing. Blood, just once. That was in spring training. They don’t warn you. They just show up.’’

What it is like to be suspected?

“I don’t think I have been,” he said. “Nobody comes to me and tells me, ‘They suspect you are using steroids.’ ’’

But you fit all the models. You are from the Dominican Republic. You are an older player. Older players don’t get better. You’ve had injuries consistent with steroid use. You showed up on the list from 2003. You fit all the formulas.

“[Expletive], I’m a human being just like everyone else,” said Ortiz. “You can get worse or you can get better. One or the other.’’

I understand and respect what Dan has done over his career. He’s very good at stirring the pot and getting a reaction, but this one I file under entrapment.

Simply put, Dan crossed a line.

Ortiz was probably doing his usual thing in the locker room when approached by Dan. Like he always does, Ortiz gave him honest answers when asked.

But make no mistake, the topic blindsided him.

After all, David has just overcome an Achilles injury and was crushing the ball upon his return to the tune of .426 batting average, .458 on-base percentage, .815 slugging percentage, and a 1.273 OPS.

Read: Ortiz Hurt Over PED Talk

When Dan started firing these questions at him, Ortiz probably thought, at first, that Dan was joking with him or thinking he was looking for a quick comment about the Jays fans and their chanting. However, Dan kept going and going, to the point where Ortiz was clearly ticked off.

Now, you can argue that given David’s age (37) and history that you could broach the subject, and David would give you some type of answer. But that’s it. This one kept going.

And it wasn’t fair to Ortiz.

Would Dan walk into the Patriots locker room and ask Wes Welker these questions after the receiver returned much earlier than anyone expected after badly tearing up his knee in Week 17 in 2009, and continued to put up huge receiving numbers in 2010, 2011, and 2012?

You could ask guys other guys on the Red Sox these questions. Mike Napoli has such a bad hip that the Red Sox switched in midstream from a long-term deal to a one year contract with incentives. Why not approach Mariano Rivera, who’s as good as ever with the Yankees after ripping up his knee last year?

Ortiz defended himself well by saying he’s been tested “probably five times” by MLB, and we haven’t seen any positive results. End of story, right?

Nope. Dan kept going. But if you know David, you know he’s too nice to tell someone to go away.

Since the column came out, David has had to defend himself by doing various other interviews. Honestly, it’s a waste of his time. He shouldn’t have to — he should be focusing on what he does best: hitting.

Read: Red Sox-Blue Jays Preview

You knew he may say something that won’t come out right or is taken the wrong way by the fans; it was bound to happen and now this is all his fault. If he slumps, it’s all on him.

The story has also gone national, no doubt becoming a distraction for him — and perhaps his teammates.

I feel bad for David Ortiz. I wouldn’t blame him if he doesn’t talk to the media again.

You did a good job Dan; you got everyone talking about and reading your story.

Mission accomplished.

Follow WBZ-TV’s Dan Roche on Twitter @RochieWBZ.

The Red Sox placed Hanrahan on the 60-day disabled list on Thursday as he gets set to visit with the famous Dr. James Andrews on Friday. A source tells CSNNE’s Sean McAdam that surgery is “definitely a possibility” for the Boston reliever.

The Red Sox placed Hanrahan on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with a right forearm strain — his second trip to the DL this season. He also missed 15 games from April 14-29 with a right hamstring strain.

Roche: After Strong April, Time For Sox Starters To Step Up In May

The 31-year-old made three appearances after being activated, allowing two runs over 2.2 innings of work. For the season, Hanrahan is 0-1 with four saves and a 9.82 ERA over nine relief outings.

Righthander Jose De La Torre will be called up to take Hanrahan’s spot on the 40-man roster. The 27-year-old has never pitched in a major league game, but has 17 strikeouts in 17.1 innings for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox this season, allowing three runs off five hits and 10 walks.

To make room for De La Torre on the 25-man roster, Boston optioned pitcher Allen Webster back to Pawtucket.

Wednesday night the Twins knocked the Red Sox pitching staff around and racked up 15-8 win.

The guys also discussed the Sox on Thursday afternoon and the latest going on with the team.

McAdam talked about rookie Alan Webster getting slammed last night by the Twins. Webster allowed eight runs on six hits and three walks and was pulled in the second inning.

They guys also touched on Felix Doubront as well. Doubront came in to relieve Webster and he gave up six runs on 11 hits and two walks over five and a half innings. The guys discussed what’s going on with the pitching and the issue with Felix Doubront as he continues to struggle.

The biggest reason? Pitching.

In those 26 April games, the Sox staff went 18-8 with a 3.58 ERA. Opponents hit just .224 off them with an OBP of .306 and a slugging percentage of .371.

It’s been a different story in May, however.

In eight games, the staff is 3-5 with a 5.15 ERA. Opponents are hitting .299 with an OBP of .372 and a slugging percentage of .458.

Not good.

When you look at the past six games during which Boston has dropped five of them, the numbers get even worse. The staff has given up 42 runs in those six games, an average of just under seven runs per game. It’s tough for your club to even compete when the opposition is scoring runs at that clip.

Read: Lesson Learned For Sox Rookie Allen Webster

Injuries to the closers Andrew Bailey and Joel Hanrahan haven’t helped, and neither has the controversy surrounding Clay Buchholz and the accusations of him throwing a spitter or using a foreign substance on the ball.

So, what needs to happen now? It’s pretty simple; it’s time to step up. Jon Lester and Buchholz need to lead, both on and off the field. It’s easy to take the ball when your team is rolling, but it’s not so easy when your team is stumbling. Lester and company need to find a way to win. Keep your team close and in the game for as long as needed.

What that means will change game to game. It could be seven shutout innings one night, or seven innings of giving up one less run than your team has scored. We’ll take it. Just battle.

Lester welcomes being an ace, and he is needed now, as well as Buchholz. Then it’s up to Ryan Dempster and John Lackey to hold court.

If you’re going to keep the good times rolling, it has to start with the starting pitching. When things stop going your way then that’s where, as a starting pitcher, you have a great opportunity in front of you. You control what happens. Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, and Curt Schilling did it, and Lester has done it too. Now he just needs to keep doing it.

Read: Red Sox-Twins Preview

This is certainly no time to panic for the Red Sox, and no time to listen to all the “I told you they’re not as good as their April record” stuff.

It’s time to simply look at what you face, take a deep breath, relax, and do what you’re being paid well to do; time to have some fun.

Follow WBZ-TV’s Dan Roche on Twitter @RochieWBZ.

His team was rocked by the Minnesota Twins 15-8 for their second straight loss, he went 0-for-5 to snap his 27-game hit streak (dating back to last season), and earlier in the day he had to deal with a Boston Globe article questioning if the ridiculous numbers he’s put up since his return from an Achilles injury are the product of Ortiz himself, or a little extra chemical help.

Ortiz told ESPNDeportes’ Pedro Gomez he was “hurt” by Dan Shaughnessy’s story in Wednesday’s Globe, and there is no reason to link him to any performance enhancing drugs.

“I have bad Aprils [and] they bury me, or some reporter buries me because of that,” Ortiz said. “I have a good April [and] it’s bad, too.”

“You’re going to make me look like that just because I’m hitting good through 15 games?” Ortiz said. “I mean, it makes no sense.”

PEDs and Ortiz have been linked in the past, with the New York Times reporting in 2009 that the slugger tested positive during the 2003 season. Ortiz says that positive test was the product of a combination of then-legal supplements and vitamins, and using anything to enhance what he does on the field has never crossed his mind.

Wednesday was the first game since his April 20th return that Ortiz did not record a hit this season. The 37-year-old is batting .381 and slugging at a .714 clip with four homers and 17 RBIs — the third most on the team.

Ortiz told Shaughnessy he’s been tested roughly five times this season, and the slugger is confident any future tests will come back with the same negative results.

Ortiz’ day began with the frustration of seeing his his named associated with more PED talk, and ended with the hitting streak ending at 27 games.

Ortiz sent out the following Tweet after Wednesday’s loss, taking a little shot at the Globe columnist.

End of my hitting streak tonight the season stil going and l hope Dan shaugnessy is a happy man now… Not more 426 enjoy it✌—
David Ortiz (@davidortiz) May 09, 2013

At least he still has his sense of humor.

He showed the ability to bounce back and get out of jams, and more importantly, very good location with each of his pitches.

The hope was high and hype in full swing after that three-run, six inning performance against the Kansas City Royals nearly three weeks ago, but none of those traits were there on Wednesday, as Webster was rocked by the Minnesota Twins to the tune of eight runs on six hits and three walks in just an 1.2 innings.

Recap: Twins Crush Red Sox 15-8 At Fenway

“I fell behind and didn’t make my pitches. When I did make my pitches they made me pay,” Webster said after the 15-8 loss. “Take it as a lesson learned and move on; try to do better next time.”

“Right from the start, just the inability to establish a certain pitch to a given area to get a strike when needed and when he got behind in the count, then he’s obviously at a disadvantage,” manager John Farrell said of Webster’s outing. “And against this team, if there isn’t a secondary pitch to command behind in the count, we saw it tonight what they can do.”

The Twins put up four runs in the top of the first inning thanks to a pair of walks, a two-run ground-rule double by Justin Morneau, a sacrifice fly and a two-run bomb by Ryan Doumit. But the Red Sox offense got those four runs right back thanks to a Jonny Gomes grand slam, and even spotted Webster a 5-4 lead on a Stephen Drew RBI single.

But Webster didn’t do anything with that lead except give it up. Pedro Florimon, Minnesota’s number-nine hitter, led the inning off with a solo homer to tie the game at 5-5, and five batters later it was 7-5 Twins and Webster was handing the ball over the Farrell.

“The team did all they could to help me out,” said Webster. “If I had went back out there and thrown a zero we probably would have won the game, but I didn’t.”

Webster said he wasn’t pressing, but the command he showed against the Royals escaped him this time out.

“I made a pitch here and there with every one of my pitches, but then I’d miss it and they would make me pay,” he said. “This is the most I’ve had to pay for it.”

Read: Red Sox-Twins Preview

Farrell reiterated after the loss that Doubront (who surrendered six runs over 5.1 innings in relief on Wednesday) will make his next scheduled start, meaning Webster will find himself back in Pawtucket soon.

But that doesn’t mean the Red Sox have lost any faith in one of their top prospects. Every pitcher takes their lumps at the beginning of their career, and the Boston staff made sure to let Webster know with some work, he’ll be back in the majors soon.

“Rome wasn’t built in one day, so go back to square one and keep one working on whatever you have to do,” said Red Sox pitching coach Juan Nieves. “Cy Young winners are working on their craft every day, so no different than him. Sometimes they take their bumps and bruises too.”

“The stuff is there,” said Nieves. “It’s just a matter of him working on whatever he has to do.”

Pedro Ciriaco, who took Middlebrooks’ place at third on Tuesday night, will get the start at third and bad ninth on Wednesday night as Boston continues their four-game set against the Minnesota Twins.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia will start behind the plate, batting seventh.

Middlebrooks underwent an X-Ray and CT scan on Tuesday night shortly after he collided with Ross while catching a foul ball. The third baseman’s right side slammed into lower wall on the stands, but manager John Farrell echoed on Wednesday that Middlebrooks and Ross remain “day-to-day.”

Read: Red Sox-Twins Preview

Middlebooks was at the ballpark on Wednesday, participating in some soft toss.

Here is the full Red Sox lineup for Wednesday night’s game against the Twins:

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF

2. Shane Victorino, RF

3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B

4. David Ortiz, DH

5. Mike Napoli, 1B

6. Jonny Gomes, LF

7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C

8. Stephen Drew, SS

9. Pedro Ciriaco, 3B

Ciriaco committed a pair of fielding errors after replacing Middlebrooks in the eighth inning on Tuesday night, but manager John Farrell was not concerned with his glove after the loss.

“That was uncharacteristic of Pedro,” said Farrell. “He’s shown to be a very dependable defender. Two miscues are unlike him.”

Rookie Allen Webster will make his second career start for the Red Sox on Wednesday night.

Rookie Allen Webster will get his second career start for the Red Sox on Wednesday night, as Boston looks to bounce back from Tuesday night’s 6-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

Webster became one of Boston’s top-rated prospects after being acquired in last August’s blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the anticipation of seeing Webster toe the rubber again was high following his Major League debut back on April 21. Webster gave up three runs over six innings against the Kansas City Royals, a game the Red Sox eventually lost 5-3 in extra innings, striking out five and surrendering just one walk.

Read: Red Sox-Twins Preview

After the game, he was sent back down to Triple-A.

But in just that one start, Webster learned some important lessons. His first pitch was clubbed off the monster by Alex Gordon for a leadoff double. Gordon scored after the very next batter on an infield single and an error, and Webster found himself in an early jam. But he showed poise in striking out the next two batters, and then getting Lorenzo Cain to ground out without any further damage on the scoreboard.

Webster kept the Royals quiet until the fifth inning, when he allowed a pair of solo home runs. He worked around a leadoff walk in the sixth to finish his evening, and helped Boston preserve their bullpen in the second game of the double header (a good thing since the game went to extra innings).

Overall, Webster said he mixed in all his pitches and had good command of his fastball, but learned from those he left over the plate.

Red Sox manager John Farrell had high praise for the 23-year-old after his debut, and that praise continued on Tuesday when it was announced he would get the start on Wednesday.

“I think everyone looks forward to seeing that guy on the mound,” Farrell said. “He’s got very good stuff. He showed he’s got great poise in his first start, and we’ll see him again (Wednesday) night.”

Listen: Peter Gammons On Toucher & Rich

Back in the minors, Webster made a pair of starts for Pawtucket since he last saw a major league field, allowing five earned runs over 10 innings. He struggled in his first start back, allowing four earned over four innings, but bounced back to pick up his first win of the year with six innings of one-run ball against Durham last Friday.

Webster struck out nine batters that game while allowing just two hits, giving him 26 K’s in 20 minor league innings this season.

Those solid numbers and the poise he showed at Fenway Park back on April 21 — along with Boston’s current injury situation — have earned him another call up to the bigs.

Using what he’s learned so far in the minors and his lone big league start will go a long way in his success, and a strong outing could earn him a longer stay in the Majors this time around.

Will Middlebrooks and David Ross had to leave leave the game after colliding with each other in the fifth inning. Middlebrooks and Ross both gave chase to a Chris Parmalee foul ball, with the two colliding as they slid to make the catch.

On Monday they placed closer Andrew Bailey on the 15-day DL with a right biceps strain, followed by Joel Hanrahan hitting the DL on Tuesday with a right forearm strain.

Peter Gammons joined 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich on Wednesday to discuss the injury-plagued Red Sox, David Ortiz’s performance so far, and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ and pitcher safety.

Since returning from an Achilles injury, DH David Ortiz has been crushing the ball at the plate. Ortiz is batting .414 with four homers and 17 RBIs in his 15 games back, impressive numbers for a 37 year old.

Ortiz’s name appeared on a list of players who tested positive for PEDs in 2003, and Dan Shaughnessy makes that point in a recent article in the Boston Globe. What are Gammons’ thoughts on the matter?

Also, last night the Toronto Blue Jays suffered a huge scare  as pitcher J.A. Happ took a line drive off his head. Happ was taken off the field on a stretcher — the fourth such episode in the last four months of major league regular and postseason play.

Should pitchers be wearing a helmet of some sort? Find out Peter Gammons’ take with Toucher & Rich!

Adolfo was outside Fenway before the Red Sox took on the Twins on Monday to ask some fans simple baseball and Red Sox related questions.

Our contestant told Adolfo that her favorite thing about Fenway Park is everything, and her favorite player is Jacoby Ellsbury. Can she deliver once the real questions start?

1. What position does Jacoby Ellsbury play?

2. Did she know what team the Red Sox were about to play — the game she was going to?

3. Who is the manager of the Red Sox? (This question led to a great Adolfo moment that was more confusing than anything.)

4. Can she name three teams in the AL East?

Then Adolfo wrapped this up with a few fill in the name questions: Will _____, Clay _____, Junichi _____.

How many of these do you think she got right?

Luckily, the team is optimistic both players won’t be lost for too long.

Both Will Middlebrooks and David Ross had to leave Boston’s 6-1 loss on Tuesday night after colliding with each other in the fifth inning. Middlebrooks and Ross both gave chase to a Chris Parmalee foul ball, with the two colliding as they slid to make the catch.

Middlebrooks came up with the ball in his glove, but not without his right side crashing into the lower wall along the stands. Ross took a blow to his knee, which required him to ice it into “the wee hours of the morning,” according to the backstop.

“David Ross has got left quad contusion, right above the knee area,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said. “When he slid, both he and Will, the shin guard kind of peeled back a little bit and he slammed into the wall at that point. So he’s day-to-day.”

Farrell said there was no structural damage with Ross, but he was removed with swelling in the knee.

Middlebrooks lasted a bit longer, but was replaced by Pedro Ciriaco in the top of the seventh. He underwent X-Rays and a CT scan, and Farrell is hoping his third baseman isn’t too banged up.

“We don’t think Will’s situation is more than day-to-day at this point,” Farrell said. “We’ll certainly get a better read when the test results come back, but my thoughts haven’t gone down that path yet.”

“When he slid on his side, he kind of whipped over and slammed in the wall there,” Farrell continued. “He took the next at-bat and didn’t feel anything. He stated that he could have gone further but precautionary, we got him out of the game.”

The injuries have started to pile up for the Red Sox. On Monday they placed closer Andrew Bailey on the 15-day DL with a right biceps strain, followed by Joel Hanrahan hitting the DL on Tuesday (his second stint of the season) with a right forearm strain. So far this season, eight Red Sox players have made their way to the disabled list.

“We’re a little banged up right now,” Ross said after the game. “We’re kind of weathering the storm as far as the team goes; just doing our best to get out there.”

The Red Sox and Twins resume their four-game series on Wednesday night.

To fill Hanrahan’s spot on the 25-man roster, right-hander Allen Webster was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket and is slated to start Wednesday night’s game against the Twins at Fenway Park.

Felix Doubront, who was scheduled to start on Wednesday, will now be available out of the bullpen beginning on Tuesday.

Red Sox manager John Farrell said on Tuesday that Junichi Tazawa will handle the team’s closing duties with both Hanrahan and Andrew Bailey on the DL.

This is Hanrahan’s second trip to the disabled list this season after missing 15 games from April 14-29 due to a right hamstring strain.  The 31-year-old made three appearances since being activated, allowing two runs over 2.2 innings of work.

For the season, Hanrahan is 0-1 with four saves and a 9.82 ERA over nine relief outings.

The 23-year-old Webster made his major league debut for the Red Sox in the second game of a doubleheader against the Royals on April 21, giving up three runs (two earned) and striking out five over six innings while earning a no-decision. Webster is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in four starts for the Pawtucket Red Sox this season, striking out 26 batters compared to just six walks.