On the heels of the All-Star break, the Red Sox placed the reliever on the 15-day disabled list after he experienced tightness in his forearm. But Atchison is taking the next step in his rehab on Monday, when he throws long toss on flat ground.
"I think I should be ready when I'm eligible to come [off the DL]," Atchison said.
The discomfort previously prevented Atchison from throwing his signature cutter as effectively. In order to gauge the pitcher's progress, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine plans to have him pitch for the Pawtucket Red Sox on Friday before activating him.
"Just see how the ball comes out of his hand," Valentine said. "He’s throwing really well."
Atchison made his last appearance on July 13, allowing a hit in two-thirds of an inning against the Rays. For the season, the 36-year-old is 2-1 with a 1.76 ERA and 36 strikeouts, a span that includes 46 innings.
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