Democratic Presidential Candidate John F. Kerry made a surprise visit to Fenway Park, throwing out the first pitch and staying to watch the contest between the Yankees and Red Sox yesterday. While Terry Adams made an appearance out of the bullpen, the other Boston player to share a last name with a former President, Trot Nixon, hit the disabled list prior to the game.

Nixon apparently never fully recovered from the hamstring injury that extended his season opening stay on the disabled list. After a month of playing through the pain with the help of medication, Nixon decided that his ability to help the team no longer outweighed the possibility of rupturing his quad. He has a Grade 2 tear of his left hamstring and a buildup of blood and fluid in the leg has created a knot in his quad. The 30-year-old will rest for a week and then return to the doctor to determine when he might be able to return to baseball activities. As long as Gabe Kapler is playing well, Boston likely will not rush Nixon's return, as the Red Sox do not wish to lose him for the playoffs and possibly a portion of next season as well. Therefore, I will be somewhat surprised if he rejoins the team before late September.