According to the Boston Globe, Red Sox pitching coach Dave Wallace underwent hip replacement surgery yesterday, putting an end to his season, and maybe his career.
According to Curt Schilling, Wallace "literally almost died" last week. This surgery was necessary to clear the infection that I reported on a few weeks back.
Schilling on Wallace, via the Globe:
"The priority is and the important part is Dave is OK. He literally almost died last week, and as close as we are, we are family. We know that. We know what kind of guy he is. That is the initial relief, and then there is the disappointment, because he is such a big part of what I do and how good I am at it.
"But he's not going to be here. Whatever we have to do, we'll find a way to do it. You just hope someone comes in and can help. The onus has fallen on Al, and he'll be fine."
Al Nipper, who was signed this off-season to be the bullpen coach, will take over the pitching coach duties for the rest of this season.
Red Sox Nation wishes Wallace a quick and healthy recovery.