Boston Red Sox News & Notes – 6/12

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, right, is congratulated by teammate Mike Lowell, left, after scoring on a double by Adrian Beltre in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during their baseball game in Boston, Friday June 11, 2010 - AP Photo

Before we get to the 12-2 shellacking the Boston Red Sox put on the Philadelphia Phillies last night at Fenway Park, let’s play a little catch up on the news I missed while I was out for the day and evening taking care of some personal business.

Back on June 4th when third baseman Adrian Beltre collided with his second left fielder of the season in Jeremy Hermida, it looked as though Beltre may have taken the worst of it. Beltre ended up staying in the game while Hermida was eventually forced to leave. Hermida missed a few games then returned only to miss more time.

Now it turns out the Red Sox will be without Hermida for the foreseeable future as on Friday it was learned that Hermida has fractured ribs just like Jacoby Ellsbury. At this point, if you’re playing left field for the Red Sox you might want to wear a flak jacket or full body padding. Or if you’re running for a ball anywhere near Beltre, just let him try and get it.

The other news of the day was the return of Jonathan Papelbon from the bereavement list. The victim on the roster was Joe Nelson who’s struggled since being called up by the Red Sox.

The loss on Thursday night hurt but the Red Sox quickly put it behind them on Friday night. They roughed up the ageless wonder Jaime Moyer for five runs on five hits in the first inning and four runs on five hits in the second inning. Six of those hits were doubles while another was a home run off the bat of Mike Lowell.

Ever since speaking his mind in New York about his lack of playing time or a role on the Red Sox for that matter, Lowell’s stayed quiet while remaining on the bench. He hadn’t been seen in a week before taking over for Kevin Youkilis on Thursday night and was in the starting lineup for Youk on Friday night. Lowell’s two-run homer in the 1st was his only hit of the night but he also worked two walks.

David Ortiz spent most of the seven-game road trip scuffling at the plate but the friendly confines of Fenway Park were all he needed to see. Big Papi had three hits, including two doubles, and knocked in four runs.

Lost in the shuffle of the nine-run explosion in the first two innings by the Red Sox was the start of John Lackey, who had been up-and-down all season long in his starts. But last night was a different story.

He pounded the strike zone as he good command of his fastball and had probably his breaking ball of the season. Of course it helps when he’s spotted the nine-run lead which allowed him to attack the strike zone.

After the rough loss on Thursday night to close out the road trip, it was nice to see the Red Sox respond against the Phillies, who’ve been struggling as of late. The last time these two teams met, the Phillies were in first place in the NL East. They now find themselves in third place 2½ games behind the Atlanta Braves.

And speaking of standings, the Red Sox picked up a game on the first place Tampa Bay Rays and are now four games out of first. They do trail the New York Yankees by three games for second place.

We’ll be back later with this afternoon’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups, news and any links from the day but for now enjoy the overnight links after the jump.

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Last hurrah for Lowell as a Red Sox? [Alex Speier – WEEI.com]

Lackey in command [Boston Globe]

League of their own [Boston Globe]

Gill defends team’s care for Ellsbury [Boston Globe]

Lowell showcases his value [Boston Globe]

Now Hermida forced on DL [Boston Globe]

Recap: Red Sox 12, Phillies 2 [Boston Herald]

Jacoby Ellsbury may return by All-Star break [Boston Herald]

Red Sox swing shift [Boston Herald]

Jeremy Hermida joins Jacoby Ellsbury on DL [Boston Herald]

Phil in Mike Lowell’s corner [Boston Herald]