Left-handed reliever Craig Breslow got through one inning of a minor league game Thursday, according to Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell.
Breslow has been brought along slowly by the Red Sox this spring training. The 33-year-old began last season on the disabled list with a shoulder issue and was used heavily during Boston’s World Series run. The Red Sox have decided to play it safe with Breslow, and now there’s some question as to whether he’ll break camp with the team, even though Thursday’s outing was encouraging.
“He had increased life to his stuff,” Farrell told reporters in Fort Myers on Thursday. “I think the most important thing is the overall life to all his pitches through the strike zone, without overworking to generate that added velocity. He feels like he’s in a good place physically.”
Breslow has appeared in only two games this spring. It’s possible he could begin the season on a rehab stint at Triple-A Pawtucket, in which case Brandon Workman likely is the frontrunner to take his place on the major league roster.
