Curt Schilling has officially been placed on the disabled list. Instead of a reliever getting the call, it is outfielder David Murphy. Murphy is getting the call despite two capable backup outfielders sitting on the bench in a National League park in Eric Hinske and Wily Mo Pena. Just goes to show you how much their stock has fallen. Then again, I suppose he will serve as a fine defensive replacement for Manny Ramirez in left-field as well.
Murphy is being called up as a precaution to J.D. Drew’s tight quad. Drew exited the game on Wednesday with this “injury” and the Sox are taking every available precaution. I would expect Drew to sit out a game this weekend, perhaps even tonight’s game to maximize the number of time off he has gotten to rest the quad.
Murphy got into 20 games with the Red Sox last year, mostly as a defensive replacement. He notched 22 at-bats, hitting .227/.346/.409 with a home-run (against the New York Yankees). The former first-round pick out of Baylor had enjoyed a renaissance of sorts after being promoted to Pawtucket last year, hitting .267/.355/.447. So far this year for Pawtucket, Murphy is at .283/.362/.423. He has 13 doubles, five homers and five triples, along with stealing five bases without being caught. Murphy seems to be developing into a solid career backup outfielder. He can field, throw, motor around the bases, and give you quality bats (albeit without power — yet). He also is a genuine good guy. I remember seeing him play for Portland and loving his sweet swing.
He is expected to return to Pawtucket Tuesday to make room for Curt Schilling’s replacement as a starter. This starter has yet to be announced, but all signs point to either Kason Gabbard or Jon Lester, with Gabbard being the leading candidate. Devern Hansack may even get the call as the Seattle Mariners have had a history of success against left-handed pitching in the 2007 season.
Welcome back, David … even if it’s only for four days.
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