The Boston Red Sox begin a four-game series in Oakland against the Athletics on Thursday, and the Sox will send a new face to the mound for the series opener.
Hector Velazquez is set to make his first Major League Baseball start. The 28-year-old right-hander has impressed in five starts in Triple-A Pawtucket, boasting a 2-1 record and 1.55 ERA.
The Red Sox used all eight relievers in Wednesday night’s 13-inning win over the St. Louis Cardinals, so Boston is hoping Velazquez can go deep into Thursday’s game.
To hear Red Sox pitching coach Carl Willis’ expectations for Velazquez, check out the video above from “Red Sox First Pitch,” presented by Men’s Wearhouse.
Thumbnail photo from Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
