The Red Sox sent closer Andrew Bailey and starter Josh Beckett to see Dr. Thomas Graham in Cleveland to get second opinions on their thumb injuries.
There was good news and there was bad news.  The good news is Beckett is still slated to start the season in game 2 at Detroit on Saturday.  The bad news is Bailey, instead of joining the team in Detroit on Wednesday, will be staying in Cleveland so Dr. Graham can do surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament in Bailey’s right thumb.  Various predictions have Bailey being out at least three months leaving the Red Sox without a closer.
Alfredo Aceves, who got the news Sunday that he wouldn’t be in the rotation and then the word Monday that he might be filling in for Beckett if he was injured, now might be the team’s best option for closer.  Right-hander Mark Melancon could also end up in that role, especially if Aceves is needed for spot starts in the even that Beckett’s thumb starts giving him trouble.
Less than 48 hours before the season begins for the Red Sox and Bobby Valentine already has his hands full trying to manage his pitching staff.
(Originally published on Examiner.com)