The Red Sox’ bullpen is expected to be one of the team’s strengths this season, but don’t say the Sox have too many arms down there.
Craig Breslow, who arrived at spring training with weakness in his left shoulder, is likely to start the season on the disabled list, according to manager John Farrell.
Breslow recently started throwing on flat ground, but he hasn’t thrown off a mound yet, meaning the left-hander has made minimal progress since arriving at camp with his ailment.
“He’s on an every-other-day throwing program right now. It’s hard to project right now that he’ll be ready to go once camp breaks,” Farrell told reporters in Fort Myers. “He’s going to need a little time.”
Breslow was acquired just before the trade deadline last season in exchange for Matt Albers and Scott Podsednik. The lefty went on to make 23 appearances for the Red Sox down the stretch, going 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 20 innings. Breslow went 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 63 total appearances split between Boston and Arizona in 2012.
Breslow’s effectiveness earned him a two-year extension worth a reported $6.25 million.
Boston’s bullpen depth has been lauded this offseason, with many even suggesting that the team should consider trading Andrew Bailey. With Breslow sidelined and Franklin Morales‘ status still up in the air, though, we’re getting a firsthand glimpse of why building that depth is so important.
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