The SS Competition May Have Just Been Won

Julio Lugo was looking like he was going to be the starting shortstop on opening day but things may have just changed:

Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo left Friday night's game against the Yankees with a sore right knee. There was no immediate word on how the injury occurred.

Lugo played the top of the first inning on defense and didn't see any action, but manager Terry Francona sent Ivan Ochoa up to pinch-hit for Lugo in the bottom of the inning.

Lowrie and most of Red Sox Nation are trying to hide their smiles right now, I still like Lugo even after last year but am glad the Sox have options at the 6 postition.

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Big Papi's Knee is Not Getting Better

David Ortiz was supposed to enter the season much healthier than he was last year. His knee surgery over the winter was supposed to fix the problem that had been ailing him. After his head first slide and re aggravation of the injury, it is beginning to look like he may have to endure pain for the rest of the season.

Before last night's game Ortiz said "its killing me" referring to the pain in his knee. Francona now has to check in with him on a daily basis to see if he can play and has hinted at a break during the upcoming interleague series with the Brewers.

Ortiz has been very productive at the plate lately but there is a good chance we will see him miss games now and then. When this happens look for Manny to DH and Ellsbury to play left. The Sox proved they can play well without one of their big bats in the lineup last night. As long as Youk continues to provide the power the Sox can survive this. It is also one more sign that Coco is not likely to be traded.

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Big Papi to Sit Again

David Ortiz will be out of the lineup for the second game in a row. He bruised his knee in Friday's game and has a sinus infection. Hopefully the day off is just a precaution and not a sign of a more serious injury.

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Ortiz Out to Rest Knee

Ortiz slightly hurt his right knee when he did a head first slide in the 11th inning last night. Tito is giving him the night off but it does not look like a serious injury.

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