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Boston Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino left the game after he appeared to re-aggravate his back injury on a check swing. Victorino grimaced in pain, then jogged slowly to first base after he hit a ground-ball to the shortstop.
Victorino missed Sunday's day-night double-header against the Kansas City Royals with lower back tightness. The team has yet to disclose official reason for his exit from the game.
Daniel Nava played right-field in the seventh inning, with Mike Carp playing left-field and hitting second. If Victorino has to miss more playing time, Nava will likely move to the number two spot in the lineup.
Daniel Bard returns to Red Sox
The right-handed pitcher will replace Steven Wright in the bullpen
The Red Sox signed Victorino to a 3-year, $39 million contract this off-season. The longtime Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder has contributed fairly well despite a complete absence of power, as he is currently hitting .294/.364/.309 through 79 plate apperances. Victorino has maintained his average walk-rate and below-average strikeout rate despite the early-season power outage, and has played his usual strong defense in the outfield.
Carp, who will likely play tomorrow if Victorino is still bothered by his injury, is hitting .417/.417/.833 through his first 12 plate appearances. Any extended absence of Victorino could result in top prospect Jackie Bradley Jr. returning to the major leagues.
