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Shane Victorino injury: Red Sox outfielder leaves game after the sixth inning

The Red Sox outfielder may have aggravated his back while taking a check swing.

USA TODAY Sports

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.

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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.

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.

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