The Disabled List Informer

In what was initially thought to be a left wrist sprain, the injury to David Ortiz is now known to be more serious. Red Sox Nation has now learned (via Tony Massarotti at the Boston Herald ) that Ortiz has suffered a partially torn tendon sheath in the left wrist. He will be placed on the 15-day DL on Tuesday, but he will require at least a month of rest and immobilization to allow for healing.

Many thanks to Andy Behrens for the mention , and for the link to this video of the actual injury .

According to "a source" of Massarotti, if the period of immobilization is not enough, season-ending surgery may ensue.

Manager Terry Francona had a much different picture to paint, saying ,"Surgery is very unlikely. We’ll certainly have more information (Tuesday)."

I tend to believe Francona. When he uses the word "very" in quotations, it holds a lot more weight than if he were to say something like, "We don’t know yet" or something along those lines.

The specific tendon sheath involved is that of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris. This tendon is responsible for extending the wrist and for moving the hand in the direction of the fifth finger (pinky finger). The sheath is responsible for protecting the tendon, offering mechanical advantage, as well as allowing the tendon to glide normally during muscle contraction.

Based on Ortiz’s description of a painful "pop", it is likely that the tear of the tendon sheath was due to a subluxation of the tendon from the groove it lies in at the end of the Ulna near the wrist. As was noted, the pitch where he was injured was swung on and hit to left field (opposite field), which places the tendon in a position where it is more likely to become displaced.

Following a period of 4 weeks of immobilization, they will check to see how his wrist is progressing, and determine if the sheath will require any invasive procedures. A repair of this nature would almost certainly place the remainder of this season in jeopardy - 8 to 12 weeks or so of recovery, depending on the extent - especially if they find any of the underlying tendon tissue itself to be torn. A 3 to 4 month recovery is not uncommon with a repair of the tendon itself. In some cases, it can be longer. Even without surgery, Papi’s bat control and power will be hindered to a degree initially upon return.

That being said, it is far too early to tell what scenario will play out - we’ll just have to wait, and if you’re a Red Sox fan, pray.

Backup Plans for Fantasy Owners in the Meantime: Adam LaRoche, Mike Jacobs, James Loney, Ty Wigginton, Lyle Overbay.