The Boston Red Sox could use their early season schedule to their advantage.
While Joe Kelly has said his biceps soreness is behind him, there’s still a scenario in which the right-hander could start the season on the disabled list.
“We’ll have more information to factor in by Saturday, which would include Kelly’s next outing,” Farrell told reporters Monday in Fort Myers. “There’s one scenario that could have us break with eight relievers. And the first time we would need a fifth starter would be on the (12th). That’s all being factored into this, as well.”
Kelly threw a bullpen session Sunday and came away without any physical issues. Farrell also said Monday that Kelly should be ready physically for the start of the regular season. But the Red Sox have a built-in off day April 7, so they technically don’t need a fifth starter until their series finale in New York on April 12. Boston could play it safe with Kelly.
Kelly hasn’t appeared in a Grapefruit League game since exiting his March 8 start against the New York Mets. He’s expected to pitch in a minor league game Friday, which would preserve the ability to backdate a potential disabled list stint.
“That would be all part of the planning and the thinking,” Farrell said. “Not planning at this point, because that decision has not been made. It’s an option available to us.”
Kelly’s injury doesn’t appear to be a problem. The Red Sox just aren’t closing the book on possibilities while mapping things out.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
