Major League Baseball announced today that it has approved a roster substitution for the Boston Red Sox due to an injury sustained by pitcher Steven Wright. As a result, Wright will be replaced by right-handed pitcher Heath Hembree on Boston's Division Series roster.
Dr. Gary Green, MLB's Medical Director, confirmed the injury after communicating with the evaluating physician, as well as reviewing Wright's medical history.
MLB Postseason rules provide that a Club may request permission from the Commissioner's Office to replace a player who is unable to play because of an injury. The Commissioner's Office may approve or disapprove the request based on the specific facts and circumstances. In accordance with the rules, Wright will be ineligible to return in the American League Championship Series if the Red Sox participate but would be eligible to return for the World Series if Boston advances.
MAJOR LEAGUE RULE 40(A)(4)(C)
The injured player being replaced shall be ineligible to play for the remainder of such series, as well as the next subsequent post-season series that year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a replaced player, who has suffered an acute concussion during a post-season series, may be eligible to play in the next subsequent post-season series that year, provided that the player has been ineligible to play for a minimum of seven days, and Major League Baseball's Medical Director has reviewed a Return to Play form and supporting information and approved the reinstatement.