FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Boston Red Sox sent a bunch of minor leaguers to Jupiter, Fla., on Thursday while most of the club’s veterans hung back at JetBlue Park for an important day of workouts.
The Red Sox will host the Atlanta Braves at Fenway South on Friday. Below are some spring training notes from Thursday and Friday.
-The Marlins reportedly weren’t too happy with the Red Sox’s lineup Thursday, but manager John Farrell reiterated Friday that there were “very concrete reasons” for his regulars staying back in Fort Myers.
-Deven Marrero collected two hits and made a tremendous defensive play at shortstop Thursday.
-Allen Webster, who heeded mechanical advice provided by Jon Lester and John Lackey, threw three shutout innings Thursday while surrendering only one hit.
-Drake Britton tossed two scoreless innings Thursday.
-Farrell said Friday that Thursday’s game might have been the Red Sox’s “cleanest” game all spring.
-The Red Sox’s starting infield worked extensively with infield instructor/third base coach Brian Butterfield on Thursday.
“Butter begins to reestablish all the terminology (and) all the spots on the infield when we go into our shifts,” Farrell said Friday. “To have that projected starting infield together was critical. That’s what yesterday was about, in addition to some individual work that took place here (in Fort Myers).”
-Lackey threw 38 pitches in a simulated game Thursday.
-Shane Victorino, who has been working on some physical things in camp, still is progressing toward a return to game action. Victorino could play next week, according to Farrell.
-Jake Peavy (left index finger) is scheduled to throw an extended bullpen session Saturday. He is on track to make his spring debut March 13.
“The wound is healing satisfactorily,” Farrell said. “Given all things considered, he’s making good progress with it.”
Peavy hasn’t begun catching throws yet.
-David Ross (foot) is penciled into Friday’s starting lineup.
-A.J. Pierzynski (ankle) has shown good strength and range of motion, according to Farrell. The Red Sox are waiting for Pierzynski’s swelling to go down while also figuring out some footwear-related things.
“We’re also dealing with a shoe issue,” Farrell said Friday. “It’s a more narrowly constructed shoe that he’s dealing with. That’s where the rolling of the ankle is coming in a little bit. We’re trying to deal with that as well. I think it’s something that will eliminate it.”
-Farrell said the Red Sox outlined their playing time plans for Pierzynski before signing the catcher over the offseason.
“You’re showing respect to the person which you’re trying to bring in,” Farrell said. “I think the worst thing that can happen is that your story changes once the ink is dry. That doesn’t do anyone any good.”
-The Red Sox are unlikely to make any roster cuts before Tuesday’s split-squad action.
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