Re: OT: Boston Red Sox Pitcher tested for Cancer
- From: orlandobay@xxxxxxxxx
- Date: 31 Aug 2006 11:33:51 -0700
Grimm-RHD wrote:
08/31/2006 11:44 AM ET
Lester reportedly tested for cancer
Red Sox rookie on disabled list with back injury
By Ian Browne / MLB.com
OAKLAND -- While most of the health-related problems that have plagued
the Red Sox in recent days have been well-publicized, there appears to
be another one developing behind the scenes.
The Boston Herald reported on its Web site Wednesday night that rookie
left-hander Jon Lester, who was sent back to Boston earlier this week
to have his ailing back examined, is also being tested for far more
serious matters, including the possibility that he has cancer.
Reporter Tony Massarotti wrote that Lester "was diagnosed with enlarged
lymph nodes, according to sources. Such a symptom can be caused by an
array of issues, from infections to cancer."
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein accompanied the team back to
Boston from Oakland late Wednesday night and could not be reached for
comment.
On Thursday, the Red Sox issued a statement that Lester "has been
undergoing testing to determine the cause of the back pain he has been
experiencing." According to the club, while being checked out, several
abnormally enlarged lymph nodes were identified. The statement went on
to conclude that Lester "is resting comfortably."
The 22-year-old Lester was rear-ended in a car accident on Storrow
Drive while on his way to pitch at Fenway Park on Aug. 18. Before and
during his next start at Anaheim -- a win -- his back locked on him as
he was dealing with an apparent case of whiplash.
When the Red Sox went to Seattle last weekend, Lester, a native of
Tacoma, Wash., wasn't seen in the clubhouse during media access hours
for the entire series.
A source confirmed to MLB.com that Lester spent much of the weekend in
a Seattle hospital undergoing, among other things, a CT Scan.
Epstein offered no comment a few days ago when asked if Lester had been
in the hospital while the club was in Seattle.
Manager Terry Francona did mention to reporters earlier this week that
he had spoken with Lester's dad while the club was in Seattle, but that
conversation was thought to have been regarding the pitcher's back.
The Red Sox, other than acknowledging Lester suffered whiplash, have
not said anything about his condition. Due to his back woes, Lester was
placed on the 15-day disabled list on Monday.
"He's obviously a big part of our future, and we've asked a lot of him
already," Francona said Monday. "We're concerned about sending him out
there when we shouldn't because we're thin. We don't want to hurt this
kid. He's too valuable to our future."
Because of patient confidentiality laws, it is not surprising that the
club would not discuss Lester's status until they determine exactly
what is going on with left-hander.
There have been plenty of other health issues surrounding the Red Sox.
Slugger David Ortiz checked in to Massachusetts General Hospital on
Tuesday so doctors could determine why he, on multiple occasions over a
10-day span, experienced a rapid heartbeat. Ortiz, according to manager
Terry Francona, is doing well, and was again held overnight on
Wednesday as more tests were conducted.
Before the report surfaced on Lester, Red Sox ace Curt Schilling
mentioned that the left-hander's situation, along with that of Ortiz,
far transcends baseball.
"You're talking about David's health situation, Jonny Lester's
situation and all the other guys," said Schilling. "It's bigger than
wins and losses. Unfortunately, people can't look at it like that from
a fan's standpoint a lot of times. But there's a lot of personal things
going on here that are dragging on us a lot more than just the weight
of losing these games."
The Red Sox have suffered a barrage of baseball injuries over the past
few weeks, ranging from Manny Ramirez's right knee to Wily Mo Pena's
left wrist to Alex Gonzalez's strained oblique. But those matters, as
much as they've affected the way the team has played, are trivial
compared to what is going on with Ortiz, and, apparently, Lester.
Lester is 7-2 with a 4.76 ERA in 15 starts this season. The Red Sox
open a 10-game homestand against the Blue Jays on Thursday night.
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the
approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
I love it. God is helping us Yankee fans this time. Knocking out the
Red Sox players one by one. I want to win and I don't care how many Red
Sox players die. I told my son the Yankees will win it all this year.
And they better.
.
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