Boston Red Sox Wally to the DL

The injury riddled 2010 Boston Red Sox added yet another name to the disabled list today, in perhaps the most bizarre incident yet, in a season chock full of mishaps. Boston announced Wally the Green Monster will go on the 60 day DL with acute encephalitis - a swelling of the brain caused by the rabies virus.

Witnesses state that during a routine daytime stadium tour, Wally, who is nocturnal and rarely leaves the shelter of his Green Monster home in the daytime, stumbled out onto the field and charged the tour group. Wally was subdued and post-exposure prophylaxis was administered. Team doctors are cautiously optimistic that the beloved mascot will make a full recovery. Two men remain in the hospital in stable condition; the group's tour guide, 25 year old Chaz Davies and 43 year old Justin Salem, a member of the field crew.

"It was horrible, just horrible," said Jane Meadows, a 29 year old school teacher from Haverhill, who was at the stadium chaperoning a 5th grade summer camp trip. Meadows was clearly still unnerved from the encounter when I spoke to her. "You could tell something was wrong the way Wally was stumbling around in the outfield, not responding to the shouts and waves of the children. Then he charged right at us and you could see the foam flying everywhere from his mouth. I don't know what happened after, it was just chaos."

"That tour guide saved those children," added witness Michael Mathis another member of the field crew, that helped subdue the enraged fur-ball. "Wally looked to be headed straight for the kids, likely picturing a delicious finger sandwich buffet in his altered state. But [Davies] jumped in front of him and us crew guys ran over and pummeled poor Wally into submission with shovels and rakes." Mathis then added, while fighting back tears, "he got a pretty good bite on Justin before we stopped him. I'm just thankful we were there."

Davies and Salem are said to be in good condition and are being treated for rabies at Brigham and Woman's Hospital. Both are expected to be released tonight.

Team officials said that they are still trying to piece together when and how the cuddly mascot could have been infected and transformed into a deranged beast. Reports from stadium personal say Wally was his normal, lovable, self last night, with no hint of the trouble to come.

News of the attack reached the Boston players in the visitors clubhouse in Tampa, before tonight's game. The team is said to have been shocked and badly shaken by the news, with many joining in on prayers for both Wally and the injured staff.

For a team that has been decimated by injuries to players this season, the news of losing the mascot, under such tragic circumstances, is tough to bear. The team will now have to decide whether either of the Triple A Pawtucket mascots - Paws and Sox - are ready for prime time. There is also the possibility of shopping around the league for trade scenarios involving mascots from the non-contending teams, although the price in prospects may be prohibitive, for a team with potential bullpen and outfield needs to address as well.