Varitek Could Return September 1st

August 21, 2006 | The Republican | By Garry Brown

 

BOSTON - Captain Jason Varitek of the Boston Red Sox still has about two weeks in his recovery from a knee injury. When he does emerge from the disabled list, he could be back as the team's regular catcher following a couple of rehab games with Triple A Pawtucket.

"I'd say around Sept. 1 would be a fair assessment," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said when asked about the timetable for Varitek's return.

The Sox already have been forced to play 19 games without their All-Star catcher, who injured his left knee while running the bases in a July 31 game against Cleveland at Fenway Park. Going into last night, their record since his injury was 6-12.

"You talk about some players being indispensible, and he really is that important to us, but we still have to find a way to win," manager Terry Francona said.

Varitek, who has been doing rehab work at Fenway Park with the Red Sox training staff, will join the club Friday in Seattle, and continue his rehab work.

The most likely scenario would be for Varitek to go to Pawtucket for the Sept. 1-3 weekend (last one of the International League season). He then could be activarted for a home series against the Chicago White Sox starting Sept. 4.

"I think he might need some rehab games. He'll need to squat for some innings. Trying to do that in a simulated game, it's just not the same," Francona said.

Injured pitchers often work simulated games rather than going to the minors for rehab.

The Red Sox have been using Varitek's backup, Doug Mirabelli, and they've also given considerable playing time to the recently-acquired Javy Lopez. Mirabelli was in the lineup for last night's game at Fenway Park.

"Having to deal with a new staff under our current situation is not the best-case scenario for him," Francona said of Lopez.