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Victorino placed on disabled list

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – The Boston Red Sox placed right fielder Shane Victorino on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season.

Both times it’s been because of a strained right hamstring. Victorino, a St. Anthony High School alumnus, was sidelined from the start of the season until he was activated April 24.

“We think, through the exams so far, it’s not as severe as the injury at spring training, but in combination with hamstring and just overall physical ailments that he’s battling right now, the two-week break is needed,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said.

The two-time All-Star aggravated a hamstring injury from spring training running to first base in the ninth inning of Friday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Rays – Boston’s eighth consecutive defeat.

“We recognize where we’re at,” Farrell said. “You have to separate the individual from the team’s win-loss record and the streak we’re on. It’s compounded by the stretch that we’re in, but at the same time, you can’t push a guy past a point where it’s detrimental for him and the risk-reward bar is swayed into the risk category.”

In 21 games this season, Victorino is hitting .242 with one home run, 10 runs scored, 10 RBIs and two stolen bases.

Outfielder Daniel Nava was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Victorino’s roster spot. Nava began the season with Boston, but was sent down April 22 after hitting just .149 with two home runs and three RBIs in 17 games.

Also, designated hitter David Ortiz and first baseman Mike Napoli didn’t start Saturday against Tampa Bay because of injuries.

Farrell said Ortiz has a calf injury and Napoli is still battling the flu-like symptoms that sidelined him Wednesday and Thursday in addition to hamstring, calf and finger issues.

“We’re beat up,” Farrell said.

Saturday was a planned day off for Ortiz to deal with his injury. He pinch hit in the 10th inning.

Napoli could miss a few days.

“I can’t say this is a one-day thing,” Farrell said. “It might be more days needed than that, and we’re hopeful to avoid a down time on the DL as well with him.”

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