The Red Sox right fielder is concerned that continued injections of anti-inflammatory medication may worsen his strained left quadriceps muscle.

01:00 AM EDT on Monday, July 26, 2004

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Trot Nixon, fearful his left quadriceps muscle might rupture at any time and concerned that the daily injections of Tordol he has been taking to play could cause long-term damage to his body, was placed on the disabled list prior to last night's game.

The Red Sox right fielder was replaced on the roster by Andy Dominique, who was recalled from Pawtucket.

The plan is for Nixon to rest for a week and then undergo another MRI to see if the condition has responded. Nixon had an MRI yesterday.

It was another setback this season for the hard-nosed Nixon. He opened the year on the disabled list because of a herniated disk in his back, and his stay on the DL was lengthened because of a strained left quad he suffered while rehabbing his back.

Nixon was activated on June 16. He played in 27 games, batting .275 with 3 homers and 12 RBI.

But while he was able to play, thanks to the Tordol, a strong non-narcotic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication, Nixon's quadriceps wasn't improving and he was concerned that calcification could take place if he continues to get the injections.

That type of condition, with the blood and fluid turning into bone, brought a premature end to the career of the Boston Bruins' Cam Neely.

"Blood is defying the laws of gravity and moving up into the quad. There's so much blood and fluid in there it's getting hard," said a somber Nixon.

"I've been taking pain shots to get on the field. That's my choice. But it's a grade-two tear out of three. I don't want to rupture it. I'm sorry. I love these guys and I'd take the shots and go out there for them if I could help. But if I rupture it I'm done for the rest of this year and half of next year. It's just gotten worse," said Nixon.

Nixon said that he isn't bothered by his strained quadriceps when he hits. But running is difficult.

"I haven't been 100 percent since I've been back. And I don't think anyone wants me just going one base on a ball in the gap," said Nixon.

"I don't think I'm helping the team. I have the utmost confidence in (Kevin) Millar and (Gabe) Kapler. They can do the job (in Nixon's absence). I'm just a puzzle piece here but the biggest thing is I have to look at my health, too," said Nixon.

Dominique, meanwhile, will be making second tour of duty in the big leagues. He hit .200 (2 for 10) with one RBI in 10 games for Boston from July 8-23.