Schilling reportedly declines Red Sox’s invite to home opener
Boston — The Red Sox will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2004 World Series championship and the life of former pitcher Tim Wakefield prior to the April 9 home opener at Fenway Park, and a sizable contingent of players from that team are expected to be in attendance.
Former pitcher Curt Schilling reportedly will not be among them.
According to multiple reports, Schilling has declined the Red Sox invitation to take part in the home opener festivities. The Red Sox had previously announced that all members of the 2004 team had been invited, but according to MassLive's Sean McAdam and Chris Cotillo, Schilling opted not to attend so his presence wouldn't be a distraction from honoring Wakefield's memory.
Schilling's decision was first reported by Dan Shaughnessy of The Boston Globe.
Once a beloved figure who played a central role in helping the 2004 Red Sox end the organization's 86-year championship drought, Schilling has become a lightning rod of controversy since his playing career ended after the 2007 season.
Tim Wakefield died days later at age 57 on Oct. 1, and Stacy Wakefield died on Feb. 29.
Mets’ Senga cleared to throw
New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga is expected to begin throwing within one week after tests revealed inflammation in his right shoulder has cleared.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Thursday an MRI on Senga's shoulder late Tuesday provided results he described as “very, very encouraging.” The Mets' medical staff examined the results on Wednesday before providing the update.
“Inflammation is gone,” Mendoza said. “So he's pretty much cleared from the doctor.”
Senga was shut down last month after he reported discomfort in the shoulder.
The 31-year-old Senga is entering the second season of a $75 million, five-year contract with the Mets after 11 seasons in Japan. His rookie season with New York was a success, as he posted a 12-7 record with a 2.98 ERA in 29 starts. He finished second in the voting for National League rookie of the year, and seventh for the NL Cy Young Award.
Yankees’ LeMahieu progressing
Yankees third baseman DJ LeMahieu took a step toward being ready for opening day by doing agility work and light running in the outfield on Thursday.
LeMahieu hasn't played since fouling a ball hard off his right foot Saturday. Tests, including a CT scan, found a significant bruise but no broken bones.
LeMahieu said he felt better after the session.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after Wednesday night's game with Pittsburgh that the next couple of days will determine if LeMahieu will face Houston in the March 28 opener.