Mike Napoli Dislocates Finger; Red Sox Drop Series Opener in Chicago

Mike Napoli cringes on second base as he looks at his dislocated finger. (NESN screenshot, via Boston.com)

When it rains, it pours for the Boston Red Sox on the injury front.

The Red Sox entered Tuesday’s series opener against the White Sox in Chicago with Shane Victorino and Will Middlebrooks already on the 15-day disabled list. Dustin Pedroia (wrist) and Koji Uehara (shoulder) have been nursing injuries of their own.

Mike Napoli became the latest starter to fall victim to the injury bug, jamming his left finger into the second base bag after recording his first stolen base of the year. Napoli, the team leader in home runs (3) and RBI (9), was pinch-run for by Pedroia, who was not expected to return to game action until Wednesday.

Replays showed Napoli’s ringer finger out of place, forcing the slugger out of the game as Mike Carp took over the duties at first base. The Red Sox announced that Napoli suffered a dislocated finger, but X-Rays were negative.

The White Sox went off to win in dramatic fashion, scoring the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth via a throwing error by Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts to walk off with a 2-1 victory in front of their home crowd. 

Koji Uehara Expected Back for Series Against White Sox

Koji Uehara was unavailable to pitch against the New York Yankees, but the closer is likely to be ready for the series against the Chicago White Sox. (Bob DeChiara/ USA Today Sports)

After being sidelined for the four-game series over the weekend in the Bronx against the New York Yankees with shoulder soreness, Koji Uehara is expected to rejoin the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday for the start of their three-game set against the Chicago White Sox.

Uehara underwent an MRI on Monday at Massachusetts General Hospital that revealed no structural damage in his right shoulder, likely meaning the 37-year-old will avoid a stint on the disabled list. The right-hander is projected to be available in Chicago as the Red Sox continue their road trip.

“He was really able to generate good arm speed. He’s moving past some of the concerns, mentally, that he had,” manager John Farrell told reporters, via WEEI.com. “During the time he was throwing, he felt better than he actually expected…We’re hopeful and expecting him to return to us in Chicago. We’d still like to get him off a mound in a bullpen session or get him back in a game, but today overall was very good news regarding Koji.”

Uehara has been flawless in his five one-inning relief appearances this season, allowing no runs and giving up just three hits. The Red Sox’s closer has recorded both save opportunities, striking out seven batters in five-innings pitched in 2014.