Here’s the release from the Boston Red Sox announcing that new first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been cleared to swing a bat off a tee.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Sox announced Monday that newly-acquired slugger Adrian Gonzalez has been cleared to hit off a batting tee after surgery on his right shoulder last October. The surgery was not reconstructive and the Red Sox traded for the first baseman in December knowing that he would be ready for the 2011 season.
On Sunday, Red Sox team doctor Tom Gill spoke with Mets team doctor David Altchek, who performed the procedure in October and a decision was made that Gonzalez was feeling strong enough and had done enough rehab to allow him to start swinging. On Monday morning before team workouts, Gonzalez took 20 swings off the tee and felt good.
“He’s going to hit off the tee the three days and then take a day and then we’ll see how he feels but he’s been coming along so well and Dr. Gill spoke with Dr. Altchek and there were no qualms about letting him proceed so we were thrilled,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said.
“I’ll be excited when we win the World Series,” Gonzalez added. “Don’t want to get carried away.”
If all goes well, the Red Sox hope to have Gonzalez taking live batting practice at about the same time Grapefruit League games begin next week.
