Andrew Bailey Might Need Surgery On Injured Thumb

According to Peter Abraham, an examination in Boston has revealed that Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey might need surgery on his injured thumb.

News of Bailey's injury broke yesterday, as Bobby Valentine danced around the possibility that one of the Red Sox' pitchers might need to start the year on the disabled list. Now that scenario seems all-too-likely, with Bailey reportedly heading to Cleveland for a second opinion.

While Bailey has had durability issues throughout his short career, it's always been the elbow that has bothered him, not his thumb. With Josh Beckett also apparently dealing with a thumb injury--albeit one that does not seem nearly so serious--it's a bad way to start the season for the Red Sox.

Still, this is hardly a fatal blow. With Mark Melancon also having come over, the Sox seem to have a ready-made replacement for the position. The bigger question will be whether the combination of Franklin Morales, Vicente Padilla, Matt Albers, and Alfredo Aceves. The possible return of Rich Hill, who a few days ago pitched in his first game since his injury, could help to bolster the unit.

For now, we wait and see.