Red Sox Catcher David Ross: 'We Know We Have An Uphill Battle'
BOSTON (CBS) - Red Sox catcher David Ross joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich show Thursday morning for his regularly scheduled appearance and the discussion began with the veteran's health.
Ross has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in the heel on his right foot, and it became clear just how painful it's been for him in Tuesday night's game in Toronto. After drilling a single up the middle in the third inning, Ross exited the batter's box and immediately pulled up lame running to first base. He was checked out by the Red Sox medical staff but elected to stay in the game.
Ross told T&R he's had the injury for about "a week or so, maybe longer" and Tuesday night's scare was just a re-aggravation.
"It feels like somebody is stabbing an ice pick under your heel. It's a little sore."
At this point it doesn't appear like Ross is headed for a stint on the disabled list.
"It's definitely something I can play with and play through," Ross reassured the guys.
If for some reason he should go on the DL, Red Sox pitchers would be left in good hands. Ross spoke glowingly about recently-called-up backstop Christian Vazquez and his other young teammates as well.
"They're learning as we go. I've seen them get better. I've seen Jackie Bradley get a lot better the second half of the season. Xander Bogaerts is making strides. Christian Vazquez is doing an amazing job. For me as a catcher we're really working well together and talking a lot. He's an amazing kid. I think he's got a bright future in this organization and in Major League Baseball."
As it stands right now the Red Sox are 47-54, dead last in the American League East, and six games out of the second Wild Card spot with six teams in front of them. It would take an historic comeback to climb the standings and make the playoffs. Ross says the team is well aware what they're up against.
"We definitely look at the standings. I think the frustrating part is -- for me personally -- it's like when we win I'm watching the standings like crazy and when we're in last place I don't check them out too much," Ross said in light laughter. "I try and go to the field, and as a team we go to the field and try and win everyday. That being said I think you're always conscious of where you're at in the standings and how much it's going to take to get to first place. We know we've got an uphill battle. With every loss it's one of those things where we get more and more frustrated because we realize how far we have to go."
Listen below for the full interview, including how much the teammates love Jake Peavy and what the dynamic is like with the trade deadline fast approaching:
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