Red Sox 1B Adrian Gonzalez starts swinging

By Howard Ulman

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Feb. 21 2011 11:10 a.m. MST

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Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez throws to home on the first day of spring training baseball for the full Red Sox squad at the Player Development Complex in Fort Myers, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011.

Dave Martin, Associated Press

Summary

Adrian Gonzalez is hitting for the first time in spring training with the Boston Red Sox.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Adrian Gonzalez is hitting for the first time in spring training with the Boston Red Sox.

The first baseman said he took 20 swings off a batting tee Monday after receiving medical clearance on his surgically repaired right shoulder. Gonzalez hurt the shoulder in May with the San Diego Padres and had surgery in October. He was traded to the Red Sox on Dec. 5.

He is very confident he'll be ready for the season opener on April 1 at Texas.

Boston manager Terry Francona said Gonzalez will hit off a tee for a total of three days and then take a day off before medical personnel decide the next step. Gonzalez said he had no pain in his shoulder and is on schedule with his rehabilitation.

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