On the field, the Brantford Red Sox are still looking for their first win in the young Intercounty Baseball League season. Off the field, the Sox have been fighting a battle with a number of mounting injuries and absences which has left the team scrambling to adjust their roster.
Brantford’s pitching staff has been the most impacted by injuries. Import Yunior Yamabatis is due back this upcoming weekend after suffering a swollen tricep in his May 22 start in Toronto. Veteran Graham Tebbit, signed to return for his eighth season with Brantford, is estimated to return in 3-4 weeks after sustaining a pre-season injury. Newcomer Sean Hood Tidman, previously with the London Majors in 2019, suffered a work-related injury and it is unknown when he may join the team.
“We are a little short handed with all of the injuries, and players not here yet. Pitching in particular has been a problem with so many injuries. Our junior program has really stepped it up and are helping us through this rough time. Hopefully soon we will have the full team here ready to play,” said Rick Pomerleau, Owner and General Manager of the Brantford Red Sox.
In non injury-related absences, 2021 IBL All Star starter Adam Jafine is expected to join the team in 3-4 weeks (work-related commitments). Import pitcher Edwin Adon is still awaiting his Canadian Visa. Starter Kyle Lev is expected back once his season with the WCBL Okotoks Dawgs wraps in August. And Reliever Mike Mueller has signed to play in Sweden and is now not expected to return to the Red Sox this season.
As Pomerleau mentioned the team has relied heavily on junior players thus far, having utilized a half dozen call-ups to fill absences in the lineup. Brantford also continues to make moves to bolster the lineup, having just signed Japanese import pitcher Yusei Teraoka, and infielder Nolan Gallagher out of Medaille College. The IBL allows a maximum roster size of 28 active players for the 2022 season, and the Red Sox expect to continue enhancing their lineup. The IBL regular season runs until August 21, with the postseason to follow.
Bryan Young is a contributor to the Brant Beacon
