Prior to the 4-3 loss to the Nationals, a team spokesman tabbed the injury as a "sore left hand." Shortly after the game, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine revealed it was a thumb injury that required a cortisone shot.
But Nava contradicted his manager, saying it was his hand. When probed about the injury — and how he suffered it — the outfielder was very vague with his description, simply pointing to the back of his left hand.
"It happened [on Saturday] before the game," Nava said. "Then during the game was when it like got worse."
During the session, Nava kept his answers relatively succinct. Minutes beforehand, Valentine said he was unaware of how the injury surfaced and didn't offer details other than divulging the need for a cortisone shot.
But Nava's absence was noticeable in Sunday's game. With Scott Podsednik penciled in to replace Nava, the Red Sox were short on outfielders, especially after the organization designated Marlon Byrd for assignment one day earlier.
Since Nava was sidelined, it prevented Valentine from tapping Kevin Youkilis to pinch hit earlier in the game. With the Red Sox down by one in the ninth inning, the skipper ultimately opted to insert Youkilis for Darnell McDonald.
Had Boston tied the game, shortstop Mike Aviles — who pinch ran for Youkilis in the ninth — would have likely taken the outfield for the duration of the game.
Nava merely said he's hoping the cortisone shot will alleviate the pain and ease the swelling in time for the series against the Marlins.
"We're hoping [for Monday]," Nava said. "If it's good [on Monday], I'm going to go."
At the moment, the injury still remains a mystery.
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