Red Sox Closer Bailey to Have Surgery
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Major League Baseball(NEW YORK) — The Red Sox will need to find another closer. The Red Sox announced Tuesday that newly acquired closer Andrew Bailey will have surgery on his right thumb Wednesday to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament.
There is no exact timetable on Bailey’s return, but it is speculated he won’t return before the All-Star break.
“We won’t use him until he is fully recuperated. Guys we have set up in the bullpen will hold down the fort,” Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said.
Bailey has a history of injuries. Last year in Oakland, he started the season on the DL due to strained right forearm. Bailey also missed time in 2010 with a right intercostal strain and later had right elbow surgery.
No one has been named the closer yet, but Valentine said righty Mark Melancon will get a chance to close.
Melancon saved 20 games for the Houston Astros last season.
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