BOSTON – Curt Schilling won’t pitch Game 5, and at least some teammates are admitting the harsh reality of the ramifications.
The Red Sox already faced a nearly insurmountable task of escaping a two-games-to-none ditch. With their top hurler now sidelined indefinitely with a tendon problem in his right ankle, they’re being buried alive.
“Whenever you lose your ace in a big series, it’s a big blow,” reliever Curt Leskanic said. “He’s not only the best pitcher on our staff but probably the best pitcher in the game right now.
“You lose a guy like that, it takes its toll.”
Added Game 3 starter Bronson Arroyo: “If he can’t go for the rest of the series, I definitely think it’s hurting us.”
Schilling arrived in a protective boot and was too sore to even attempt a side session yesterday. He left the ballpark without talking to reporters but called in to a local Boston sports talk station.
“I’m not pitching Sunday, and beyond that we don’t know,” he told WEEI. “We’re gonna do everything we can between now and Sunday to try and make some adjustments, do what we can to try and get this situation stabilized, try and get back on the mound.”
Manager Terry Francona said Derek Lowe would take the ball for Game 5. Some Boston players continued to paint a happy face on the situation, even though Schilling was brought to Boston specifically to beat the Bombers.
He went 21-6 with a 3.26 ERA in the regular season and stepped up while Pedro Martinez’ career continued its decline.
“We said all year long that it takes 25 guys,” Dave Roberts said. “We’re not feeling sorry for ourselves.
“Guys need to step up regardless of the situation.”
Before being tattooed by the Yankees in Game 1 on Tuesday, Schilling held a 6-1 mark and 1.74 ERA in 12 career playoff starts.
Lowe, Boston’s answer to Jeff Weaver, was actually the voice of reason yesterday.
“I think we’re losing the fact we’re down 2-0,” he said. “We’re putting all this emphasis on who’s going to pitch Game 5 and Game 6.
“Ultimately, we have to win Game 3 and Game 4 to get there.”
The sheath that houses one of the tendons in Schilling’s ankle has torn, and the tendon is popping in and out of where it is supposed to be.
The Sox haven’t been able to get their story straight on the injury, and Schilling said on the radio he tore it facing the Yankees on Sept. 26.
“Any way you look at it . . . we have guys on the staff that can pick up where he left off,” Arroyo said. “But he’s obviously Curt Schilling for a reason, and if we don’t have him in the lineup, I think it’s definitely not going to help us in any way.”
