BOSTON — The Red Sox are covering their bases.
Jon Lester still is scheduled to start Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park despite rampant trade speculation surrounding the Boston ace. However, the Red Sox have a contingency plan in place, according to manager John Farrell.
Brandon Workman will start Wednesday’s game if Lester is traded before then. If Lester remains with the Red Sox, the left-hander is expected to start even with Thursday’s 4 p.m. ET Major League Baseball trade deadline looming, although Farrell acknowledged things could change over the next 24 hours.
“The only thing that I will say is that we’ve got a number of guys who are of interest to a number of teams,” Farrell said before Tuesday’s game. “… I can’t say to what level a team has interest on any one player or pitcher.”
Lester currently is the biggest name floating around the trade market. Multiple reports have indicated the Red Sox would consider trading Lester for the right package, although the 30-year-old and the organization both have expressed a desire to continue their relationship beyond 2014. Lester said he’d consider re-signing with Boston over the offseason even if the Red Sox trade him before Thursday’s deadline.
Lester isn’t the only Red Sox player being mentioned in trade chatter. Several of the club’s other veterans, particularly those slated to hit free agency after this season, have been mentioned in rumors.
“I’m sure (general manager) Ben (Cherington) will listen on anyone,” Farrell said.
