March 25, 2019

The Bullpen (Cora: "People Think We're Short On Pitching. We're Not.")

With Opening Day four days away, manager Alex Cora has decided who will fill the final three spots in the Red Sox's bullpen: Brandon Workman, Hector Velazquez, and Colten Brewer.

The other members of the eight-man pen are: Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, Heath Hembree, Tyler Thornburg, and Brian Johnson.

The Red Sox sent Marcus Walden and Bobby Poyner to Pawtucket and Darwinzon Hernandez to Portland. Cora says Hernandez, ranked as Boston's #4 prospect by MLB Pipeline, likely will be with the big club at some point this summer..
He made it tough on us. ... This is a guy, we know at one point during the season, he's going to contribute. ... One thing we found out towards the end, that although the people outside our world think we're short on pitching, we're not, and we're going to be fine.
The other big question in camp - which of the three catchers (Christian Vazquez, Sandy Leon, or Blake Swihart) would not make the team - was answered on Sunday when Leon was put on waivers. Leon is due to make almost $2.5 million this year, so the chances are good he will not be claimed. If that is the case, he could then be assigned to the minors, traded, or released outright. To avoid having to pay his entire salary, which becomes guaranteed on Thursday, the Red Sox will likely released him.

Steve Pearce injured his left calf more than a week ago and is recovering slowly. He may not be ready for Opening Day, but the team is not concerned.

This week:
Tonight: Red Sox vs Cubs in Mesa, Arizona, 9 PM: Rick Porcello makes his second spring start. The Cubs scored 24 runs on 27 hits on Sunday.

Tuesday: Red Sox vs Cubs in Mesa, Arizona, 3 PM: David Price, who has been ill and has not pitched since March 12, will start. He threw an extended bullpen session last Thursday.

Wednesday: Off

Thursday: Opening Day: Red Sox at Mariners, 7 PM (Chris Sale/Felix Hernandez): Mariners are 2-0, having beaten the Athletics 9-7 and 5-4 (12) last week in Tokyo.
Don't forget to enter this year's W-L contest.

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