Red Sox left-hander to miss time with rotator cuff strain (report)
Red Sox left-hander Brandon Walter is the latest pitcher to get nipped by the injury bug.
Walter who was missing from WooSox media day on Wednesday was shutdown from throwing after dealing with a left rotator cuff strain, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. The southpaw is expected to remain in Fort Myers for extended spring training and will be placed on the injured list. It is not known how long Walter will be out of action.
The 27-year-old was one of the first spring training cuts and was re-assigned to minor league camp on March 6. Walter was expected to start the season atop the WooSox rotation and serve as depth for the major league club.
With Walter down, the Red Sox will likely now move Jason Alexander into the WooSox rotation and there’s a potential newly acquired righty Naoyuki Uwasawa will be added to Triple-A Worcester. Others that will be featured in the WooSox rotation will be Brian Van Belle, Grant Gambrell, Richard Fitts and Cooper Criswell.
Walter made his big league debut last season, posting a 6.26 ERA with a 1.696 WHIP over 23 relief innings.
Once Walter is officially on the injured list, the Red Sox will open a roster spot on the 40-man, providing he is placed on the 60-day IL. Walter will join Chris Murphy, Lucas Giolito, Bryan Mata and Liam Hendriks as all members of the 40-man roster on the IL.
