Alex Cora Reveals Updated Timeline On When Injured Pitchers Will Join Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox will get a trio of veteran pitchers back from the injured list soon. Very soon.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora provided a promising update Monday on Liam Hendriks, Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito as the trio of right-handers currently are all rehabbing with Triple-A Worcester.

Cora told reporters that Hendriks, who is on the IL with right elbow inflammation, will make one more appearance in the minors before most likely being activated for the weekend series against the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park, according to MLB.com’s Ian Browne.

Giolito and Bello are set for starts on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, and Bello, who is ahead of Giolito in his recovery, will “most likely” be called up to the Red Sox following that outing. Bello landed on the IL to start the season due to right shoulder soreness while Giolito is bouncing back from a left hamstring strain.

It will be a long-awaited return to the big leagues for Hendriks, who looked good in his first two rehab appearances by pitching a combined two scoreless innings with four strikeouts. The 36-year-old signed with the Red Sox last offseason and spent the entire 2024 campaign rehabbing. The last time Hendriks pitched in the big leagues was June 9, 2023, when he was a member of the Chicago White Sox.

Bello produced mixed results over three starts with Worcester. He allowed 12 hits and seven earned runs in 9 2/3 innings but generated plenty of swings and misses with 14 strikeouts.

Giolito let up just one run and four hits with five strikeouts over the course of 5 2/3 rehab innings, but the Red Sox probably want to build the 30-year-old up more after he missed all of last season due to an internal brace procedure in his right elbow.

The Red Sox will need to make room both in the bullpen and starting rotation for Hendriks, Bello and Giolito. Boston could send Michael Fulmer back to Worcester once Hendriks is ready.

There’s an open spot in the rotation at the moment with Richard Fitts on the 15-day injured list due to a right pectoral strain. Bello could slide into that spot while Giolito could take Sean Newcomb’s spot when he’s ready.