FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It's too soon to predict what might happen in another seven weeks, but Ron Roenicke hinted Friday that it was least possible that newly-acquired outfielder Alex Verdugo might not be healthy enough to start the season with his new team.
"Right now, he's with our medical group and is going through things to see where we're at with him,'' Roenicke said.
Roenicke wouldn't get into timetables or venture a guess on Verdugo's availability ("I'd hate to make a comment and then it comes back later I'm wrong,''), but said there would be more answers on his status soon. The Boston Globe reported that Verdugo could see the start of his season delayed for injury reasons.
"He needs to go everything with (the training staff),'' said Roenicke. "They really want to get a good feel for him. They don't know him. They'll talk to him, figure out where we are and what point we can start going forward with forever -- whether it's baseball activities or just strength activities). I'll know a lot more (Saturday) and figure out where we are.''
Verdugo was the centerpiece of the team's five-player deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers last week that sent Mookie Betts and David Price to the West Coast. Verdugo didn't play after Aug. 4 last year as he dealt with a back/core injury.
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