Standout Red Sox lefty Jon Lester was removed from a Tuesday start against the Blue Jays with a mysterious injury. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, though, there is no longer any mystery. Heidi Watney:
Jon Lester Injury: Red Sox Starter Out With Lat Strain
Jon Lester tweeked is left lat muscle... More info as soon as possible.
Others have confirmed Lester’s injury as a lat strain. That’s all we have to go on for the time being, but it is most certainly better than nothing.
A strained lat tends to be less serious for a pitcher than elbow or shoulder discomfort, as the lat is a muscle in the back. However, strained lats also frequently send pitchers to the disabled list, with Bruce Chen and Esmil Rogers being two of this year's examples. So while Lester and Sox fans probably needn't worry about surgery, the southpaw may end up missing at least a few weeks. One figures an All-Star Game appearance is entirely out of the question.
Lester will be examined further on Wednesday. As far as temporary replacements are concerned, the Red Sox could turn to Kevin Millwood, Felix Doubront or Alfredo Aceves. Yep.
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