Carlton Fisk was scratched from the starting lineup Tuesday because of a sore back. ”It`s been bugging him for the last four or five days,” said trainer Herm Schneider. ”I don`t know if he`ll be ready by tomorrow.”
The 39-year old catcher had started 32 of the previous 38 games, and he missed only four entire games during that stretch.
There`s a chance Ron Hassey could be reactivated Wednesday. If not then, he will probably return this weekend. Hassey, who suffered a ruptured left bicep, tested his arm catching in a simulated game Tuesday. ”He`s real close,”
Schneider said.
Team physician Dr. James Boscardin will conduct further tests on Bob James`
right arm Wednesday. James will undergo a CAT scan to get another look at a calcium deposit in his ailing right tricep.
The Sox restrained their enthusiasm after Jack McDowell`s impressive pro debut Monday. Pitching for the rookie league team in Sarasota, Fla., the club`s No. 1 draft choice struck out seven of the 10 batters he faced in three scoreless innings against a Dodger farm. ”We`re going to guard against moving him up too fast,” Himes said. ”We want him to get three starts down there and build his way up to seven innings.”
Another Sox draft pick, Wedsel ”Buddy” Groom, is off to an impressive start. Groom, selected in the 12th round, upped his record to 5-0 with Class-A Daytona Beach in the Admirals` 10-5 victory over Tampa Monday.
Daryl Sconiers had three hits, including a homer, and three RBIs in Triple-A Hawaii`s 6-5 loss to Las Vegas.
The Sox face a tough test Wednesday against Jimmy Key (12-6). The Toronto lefty and Minnesota`s Frank Viola are tied for second in the league in earned- run average at 2.89.
