The Boston Red Sox officially added new pitcher Doug Fister to the major league roster, but also lost a familiar face for a while. On Saturday, the Sox transferred super-utility man Brock Holt to the 60-day disabled list due to a recurrence of his vertigo. At this point, there’s no telling when, or if, Holt will return to action this season.
Brock Holt moved to the 60-day DL. And as announced last night, Hector Velazquez optioned to Pawtucket to make room for Doug Fister
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) June 24, 2017
Brock Holt’s Vertigo Lands Him on 60-Day DL
Holt has done little more than field grounders and take batting practice for over a month. He was originally placed on the 10-day disabled list on April 21, after first experiencing the symptoms of vertigo. He had been in the midst of a rehab assignment in May, but was shut down once again after the vertigo returned. Since then, he’s done little in the way of baseball activities.
Holt, 29, has seen action in just six games this season. If he doesn’t manage to return before the playoffs, he’ll finish the season with a .133 batting average and just a single RBI. Holt was an All-Star in 2015, when he hit .280 while also playing just about every position on the field (other than pitcher and catcher). Last year, his average fell to a mediocre .255, but he did set a career-high with seven home runs. However, he also struggled to stay healthy last year; he managed just 94 games.
Though not a true offensive threat, Holt made a name for himself as a fan-favorite thanks to his hard work, grit, hustle, and willingness to do whatever he could to help the team. The “Brock Star”, as he is fondly known, never complained about playing time or position. Had he been asked to pitch or catch, he would have done so gladly. Holt’s energy and fun-loving nature on the field and in the clubhouse will be missed while he works his way back to action.
One of the true good guys, Holt’s return to full health before the end of the season would be a feel-good story and would be warmly welcomed by the fans. Here’s to hoping Brock Holt’s vertigo becomes a thing of the past.
Other Notes
The Red Sox made a few other roster moves on Saturday. Infielder Josh Rutledge landed on the 7-day concussion disabled list, and Tzu-Wei Lin was added from the Double-A Portland Seadogs to replace him. Rutledge is also dealing with hip soreness. In addition, pitcher Hector Velazquez was optioned to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox to make room for Fister.
Red Sox announce a series of moves. Josh Rutledge to the DL with a concussion. Infielder Tzu-Wei Lin added to the roster from Portland.
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) June 24, 2017
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