Finger contusion an issue for Swihart at plate
Catcher has been on PawSox’ DL since May 2
PAWTUCKET – Catching isn’t the issue with Blake Swihart, who has been on Pawtucket’s disabled list since May 2 with a left finger contusion. He’s been catching side sessions in the bullpen and even came out to warm up starting pitcher Marcus Walden inbetween innings last Thursday night while Dan Butler was busy strapping on the gear.
“I’ve been catching the past three days,” Swihart said on Sunday prior to the finale of a four-game series against Rochester was rained out. “Just trying to stay in catching shape that when I do come back, I’m ready to catch nine innings.”
A switch hitter, Swihart is still a bit sore when gripping a bat from the left side. He’s been taking one-handed swings with his right arm.
“They don’t want me to rush it and get into the cage,” Swihart said.
The thought of hitting only right-handed hasn’t crossed Swihart’s mind. “No chance,” he said with a smile. Swihart is optimistic that he could be back in Pawtucket’s lineup at some point over the next few days. The 25-year-old came into the season looking to build off a solid spring training but has encountered several starts and stops along the way. Swihart – hitting .208 in 13 games with the PawSox – missed a few days last month after a scary collision in foul territory at McCoy Stadium with first baseman Sam Travis.
He classified setback that eventually landed him on the disabled list as a freak accident that goes with the territory of catching. To prevent getting nicked by foul tips, Swihart has tightened his glove in the area where he would place his fingers.
“The glove was a little too loose in that area,” Swihart said. “It was bending my finger back every time I took a foul tip.” ***
The PawSox placed recently promoted outfielder Aneury Tavarez on the seven-day disabled list (retroactive to May 11) with right hand tendinitis on Sunday. According to PawSox manager Kevin Boles, Tavarez could be down for another 3-5 days. Tavarez did hit off a tee on Saturday and did stand in against David Price during the lefthanded pitcher’s simulated game inside the hitting cage at McCoy. “It was gradual soreness and it’s gradually gotten worse,” Boles said about Tavarez. “We’ve just got to calm it down.” … Pawtucket added right-handed pitcher Kyle Kendrick following his option from Boston last Thursday. … Brock Holt (vertigo) was on the bus heading to Moosic, Penn. where the PawSox on Monday will begin a four-game series against Scranton/Willkes-Barre. Holt is 4-for-16 with a double and a two-run home run in five games since resuming his rehab schedule with the PawSox. … Pitching-wise, the PawSox are expected to feature Brian Johnson on Monday, Henry Owens on Tuesday, and Shawn Haviland on Wednesday. … Speaking of Price, he treated the PawSox players and coaches to a lavish spread from the Capital Grille. Among the items to feast on were steak, macaroni and cheese with lobster, and Cesar salad. … Lefthanded pitcher Roenis Elias, rehabbing a strain to an intercostal muscle on his right side, will join the PawSox on their upcoming sevengame road trip through Scranton and Buffalo. Elias suffered a setback Friday night when he felt discomfort in his left side while warming up in the bullpen. … Sunday’s rainout against the Red Wings will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, June 17 at 4:35 p.m. at McCoy. Pawtucket has already suffered seven postponements this season (three at home and four on the road).