Wells may be headed to DL
David Wells is expected to miss his next start on Monday and could be headed back to the 15-day disabled list.
The 42-year-old left-hander, who was pounded for seven runs on 10 hits in only four innings in Wednesday’s 8-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, is continuing to experience problems with his right knee and met with the Red Sox’ medical staff following last night’s 2-1 win over the Seattle Mariners. No final determination was made but indications point to him landing on the DL to undergo further treatment on the knee, which required arthroscopic surgery last October.cw-2
Like Keith Foulke, who also has very little cartilage remaining in his knees, Wells may undergo injections of the synthetic lubricant, Synvisc, to deal with mobility within the joint. Foulke, who had surgery on both knees last year, had Synvisc injections throughout spring training and has recently displayed leg drive and effectiveness that eluded him throughout a disastrous 2005.
Wells went 15-7 last year in his first season in Boston but requested a trade so he could pitch closer to his San Diego home in his 20th and final season. When the Sox couldn’t get equitable return value for him, Wells reported to spring training and eventually rescinded his trade request. He was brought along at a deliberate pace in Florida due to the knee and opened the season on the DL. Wells made one rehab start at Triple-A Pawtucket on April 7 and was hit hard by Indianapolis (5IP, 7R) in a 9-1 loss at McCoy Stadium.
Wells, who was scheduled to face Seattle’s Gil Meche in Monday’s 11 a.m. Patriots Day game, will most likely see his start go to reliever Lenny DiNardo.