Red Sox shut down Shane Victorino, Will Middlebrooks indefinitely

Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino (lower back discomfort) and third baseman Will Middlebrooks (right index finger swelling) have been shut down indefinitely from their rehab stints.

Both Shane Victorino and Will Middlebrooks will remain on the shelf for a bit. (USATSI)

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The recoveries of both third baseman Will Middlebrooks and right fielder Shane Victorino have come to a screeching halt. Both players have been shut down indefinitely, Red Sox manager John Farrell told reporters (ESPN Boston) Friday.

Victorino continues to deal with discomfort in his lower back while Middlebrooks is suffering swelling in his right index finger (which was fractured) -- which hampers his ability to throw the ball from third to first.

Victorino, 33, is hitting .242 in just 21 games this season. He's been saddled with injuries to the ribcage, hamstring, knee and now back this season.

Middlebrooks, 25, is hitting .197/.305/.324 with two homers and nine RBI in 21 games. He's had an injury to two different fingers and also his right calf this season.