In the midst of having his injured back reexamined, right-hander Bobby Jenks was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (an arterial blockage in the lung), the Red Sox announced Tuesday.
Jenks was already expected to have season-ending back surgery. That figures to be delayed because of the embolism treatment, which will probably involve blood thinners. Manager Terry Francona said that he’s “doing great,” but that he’s to avoid physical activity for now.
In the first year of a two-year, $12 million contract, Jenks had a 6.32 ERA in 15 2/3 innings for Boston before going on the DL on July 8. The embolism doesn’t figure to be career threatening, but if it delays his back surgery long enough, it may put his status for the beginning of 2012 in doubt.
