BOSTON –– A game of golf was on Clayton Mortensen's agenda. The Wednesday schedule was planned out.
That was until he received the call. Shortly before laying down for bed on Tuesday night, the reliever –– who was traded for Marco Scutaro this offseason–– was informed that he would be receiving a promotion to the Red Sox.
"I got a call about 11:45 [p.m.]," Mortensen said. "I was getting ready to go to bed, getting ready for a big day of golf, had a nice little course set up. [Pawtucket manager Arnie Beyeler] was like, 'Well, you're going to the big leagues.' That's way better."
Mortensen earned the opportunity after a strong performance in Triple-A. In his first season with Pawtucket, the 27-year-old threw 10 innings while just allowing five hits and one run. He also converted a save and owns a 0.90 ERA.
Due to those strides, the PawSox are planning to convert Mortensen into a starting pitcher. As a reliever in Wednesday's 4-2 loss against the Athletics, Mortensen continued to dazzle in his major-league debut.
During three innings in relief, he stymied hitters, allowing one hit while recording six strikeouts. Count Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine as someone particularly intrigued by the Mortensen's improvement.
"He was fantastic," Valentine said. "His off-speed stuff in the bullpens in spring training looked terrific, then in the games he seemed to elevate a little. Often we said if it's down, it's really tough. It was down tonight and it was really tough."
Prior to his appearance on Tuesday, Mortensen was mostly known for triggering barbs between Valentine and Yankees skipper Joe Girardi back in spring training.
But his time in the majors is likely ticking. With Aaron Cook scheduled for activation on Saturday, Mortensen is the obvious choice to return to Pawtucket to clear space for his former Colorado teammate.
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