March 13, 2010 at 7:59 PM
Westmoreland on medical leave
The Red Sox issued the following press release ths evening: FORT MYERS, FL -- Red Sox minor league outfielder Ryan Westmoreland has been diagnosed with a cavernous malformation in his brain and has taken medical leave from minor league camp to seek treatment. General Manager Theo Epstein made the announcement. "The entire Red Sox organization stands in support of Ryan as he courageously deals with this issue," Epstein said. "Ryan is a remarkable kid and a talented player, and we understand that many will be concerned about his health. He is getting the best medical attention the world has to offer, and we will have more information soon. Until then -- out of respect for Ryan's privacy and at the request of the Westmoreland family -- we will not have any further comment." Westmoreland, 19, left minor league camp on Thursday, March 4th. He was diagnosed on Friday, March 5th at Massachusetts General Hospital, had consultations with three leading experts in the field, and on Tuesday will have surgery with Dr. Robert Spetzler of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ. The Red Sox ask that members of the media please respect Ryan's privacy and honor the Westmorelands' request that they not be contacted until later in Ryan's recovery.