Drew Pomeranz Back In Red Sox Rotation, Will Make Season Debut Vs. A’s

The most effective rotation in Major League Baseball just got its fifth starter back.

The Boston Red Sox will activate Drew Pomeranz off the disabled list, and he’ll start the series opener against the Athletics in Oakland on Friday night, the team confirmed.

Pomeranz began the season on the 10-day DL after suffering a left forearm strain during his first spring training start. Manager Alex Cora revealed last Saturday that the plan was for the left-hander to return either for the Red Sox’s series finale against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night or the team’s series opener against the A’s on Friday, and it appears Pomeranz is right on schedule.

The 29-year-old will be looking to build off his best season as a pro in 2017. Pomeranz posted a 17-6 record and 3.32 ERA last season while throwing a career-high 173 2/3 innings in 32 starts. He’ll slide in as the fifth starter in a rotation that’s been absolutely dominant in 2018, posting a combined 1.98 ERA over 18 starts.

Hector Velazquez (two starts) and Brian Johnson (one start) had combined to fill the fifth starter role in Pomeranz’s absence.