BOSTON (AP) -Red Sox backup catcher Doug Mirabelli strained his right calf Friday and left the opener of a day-night doubleheader after limping across home plate in the first inning.
Jason Varitek took Mirabelli’s place against the Los Angeles Angels. There were no other catchers on the Red Sox roster.
Earlier in the day, Boston manager Terry Francona said he didn’t want Varitek playing both games of a doubleheader.
“That’s not going to work this time of year. That’s why we’ve got two catchers,” Francona said.
Mirabelli hurt himself running the bases. He hit an RBI double and later scored on Alex Cora’s double, giving Boston a 6-1 lead. He went straight to the clubhouse after he scored.
Mirabelli is Tim Wakefield’s personal catcher. The knuckleballer’s regular turn in the rotation is Sunday.
Before the doubleheader, Francona said he hadn’t decided who would start Sunday. The Red Sox play Monday night at Tampa Bay and Wakefield is 17-2 against the Devil Rays – the most wins by a Tampa Bay opponent – and 8-0 at Tropicana Field.
Mirabelli began the day hitting .204 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 42 games this season.
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