Loading ...Everyone’s favorite new Red has finally had a setback this spring:
Opposing pitching has yet to slow down Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton this spring, but sore legs temporarily have.
Because he’s been bothered by shin splints, Hamilton will be rested from Tuesday’s game against the Devil Rays at St. Petersburg.
The overall No. 1 draft pick by Tampa Bay in 1999, Hamilton’s first return to the area as a visiting player was expected to draw some extra attention. He was part of the Rays organization during his near four-year absence from the game because of drug suspensions and injuries and never reached the Majors as greatly anticipated.
“I’ve had it the last week and a half,” Hamilton said of his injury. “But I know people will think I’m not going because of who we’re playing.”
Hurry back, Josh! How else can you earn that spot in the starting lineup if you aren’t playing?
Ahhhhh…. There it is. Just the nagging lingering injury kind of thing the Reds could milk for three months to get Hamilton a couple of minor league rehab stints.
I hate those. They’re more annoying than anything else, because you can start to feel ok and then they come right back.
Not good news.
Probably a by product of getting back into shape. But, it could linger….if he has to go on rehab, would we keep him? Can he play ball at another level while ‘injured’? I’m not sure of the rules governing this sort of thing.
He can go on the DL, but that would mean he has to made it up next year. So an injury would allow them to spread his time on the 25-man roster over two years. Not necessarily an advantage.