BOSTON — Andrew Bailey‘s rehab assignment is in full swing.
Making his second appearance in the Gulf Coast League on Friday, the Red Sox closer struck out two batters and nailed 92 mph on the radar gun, showing progression after undergoing surgery on his thumb in April.
As of Friday afternoon, Bailey was en route to the Boston area, where he’ll visit his family briefly. Then, on Sunday, Bailey is scheduled to continue his rehabilitation assignment with the Portland Sea Dogs.
Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine contemplated elevating Bailey to Pawtucket, but preferred Portland since the Sea Dogs were playing a home game on Sunday. The team agreed it’d be better to monitor Bailey within their proximity.
“I think it’s the place that’s closest,” Valentine said. “We’d like to get him in competition, but it’s not the level of competition. It’s more convenient and Double-A, Triple-A is pretty similar.”
In 41 2/3 innings last season for Oakland, Bailey converted 24 of 26 save opportunities. Red Sox pitcher Alfredo Aceves has filled in for Bailey in the meantime, notching 22 saves.
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