Red Sox Francona: Gonzalez Doing Great, 'No Reason To Rush'
FORT MYERS, Fla (CBS) - Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez told reporters on Monday he feels great after taking live batting practice for the first time Sunday afternoon, and has no doubts he will be ready for opening day April 1st in Texas.
His new manager agrees.
"He's doing great," Terry Francona told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Jonny Miller on Monday. "He's done so well I don't think it's going to be much of an issue getting ready for the season."
Terry Francona Talks About Adrian Gonzalez Taking Live BP
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Taking part in a spring game is the only hurdle that remains on Gonzalez' comeback from offseason shoulder surgery. Both player and manager have stressed there is no timetable, and neither are worried about the timely recovery.
Read: Red Sox Gonzalez Feels Great After First BP Session
"As he feels better and ramps up his intensity and volume, he'll get into a game. When he's ready, not before," Francona urged. "There's really no reason to rush or cut corners, because he's doing so well."
Gonzalez was given Monday off from hitting, but will continue to take batting practice in the coming days and could be sent to the team's minor league complex to face more live pitching before seeing any game action.
