The Boston Red Sox’s starting rotation, at least for the first time through, is set.
As spring training draws to a close, the Red Sox’s Opening Day roster has taken shape. And Monday, manager Alex Cora revealed how the starting rotation would look to begin the season.
With Drew Pomeranz (left forearm) and Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) being placed on the 10-day disabled list, Cora announced that Hector Velazquez and Brian Johnson will take the final two rotation spots when camp breaks.
Chris Sale will get the ball Thursday on Opening Day in Tampa Bay against the Rays. He’ll be followed by David Price, Rick Porcello and Velazquez to round out the series with Johnson pitching Game 1 against the Miami Marlins on April 2.
“We just, talked to Zack (Scott) about it, Dana (LeVangie), teamwork,” Cora said, via WEEI. “We feel that the matchup for Velazquez is better in Tampa and BJ (Brian Johnson) is better in Miami. Also, the rumor is BJ can swing the bat. That was seven years ago. We’ll see.”
Sale received a scare Saturday when he took a line drive off his hip, but the star left-hander is on track to make his Opening Day start.
Knuckleballer Steven Wright also was placed on the 10-day disabled list as he continues to recover from cartilage restoration surgery that was performed on his left knee. Wright also is facing a 15-game suspension from Major League Baseball for violating the league’s Domestic Violence Policy. The suspension won’t begin until Wright is on the active roster.
