The Boston Red Sox announced the obvious Tuesday, but they also clarified how the rotation might look to start the 2016 season.
To no one’s surprise, David Price will be the Opening Day starter April 4 against the Indians in Cleveland, according to Red Sox manager John Farrell. It’ll be Price’s fifth Opening Day start.
Farrell also revealed Clay Buchholz will pitch Boston’s second game, which will come April 6 after an off-day. Farrell said he liked what he saw from the right-hander in his last few spring training outings.
“I think he’s throwing the ball well,” Farrell told reporters Tuesday in Fort Myers, Fla. “He’s gained command of his secondary stuff the last three times out. You look at pitchers and you’re hopeful that their command and their execution of secondary stuff improves as you get deeper into camp. I think that’s happening for the most part with guys. We still have work to do in some areas, but in Clay’s case, he’s showing that.”
Farrell didn’t share information on starters No. 3 through 5, but it looks like it could be Joe Kelly followed by Rick Porcello and Steven Wright. The skipper said his decision will be based heavily on how they were performing to end spring training, and Kelly out-pitched Porcello.
“Just the way guys have thrown,” Farrell said. “Pretty straightforward. You’re looking to get a little bit of a mix and match with type of stuff, obviously with Joe maybe a little bit more power than Rick. But you’re looking to send the guys that are throwing the best and most consistent to lead things off.”
Thumbnail photo via Butch Dill/USA TODAY Sports Images
