Two injured Red Sox starting pitchers are set to make significant progress toward rejoining the major league rotation in the coming days.
Right-handers Brayan Bello (right shoulder strain) and Lucas Giolito (left hamstring strain), both of whom began the season on the 15-day injured list, are scheduled for rehab starts with Triple-A Worcester next week in Jacksonville. Bello will take the mound Tuesday night against the Jumbo Shrimp, Miami’s Triple-A affiliate, while Giolito is slated to pitch Wednesday night. Both are expected to throw about three innings. Additionally, Bello is set to make another start for Worcester next Sunday in Jacksonville on regular rest.
The plan is for Bello and Giolito, who each dealt with minor setbacks in spring training, to complete roughly three rehab starts before rejoining the big-league club. Manager Alex Cora wants both pitchers to build up to five innings and approximately 90 pitches before activation, making a mid-April return likely.
“I think it’s three innings this week, if I’m not mistaken,” Cora noted. “It’s similar to a spring training build-up. As well as they’re progressing, they’re still not close to being ready.”
Meanwhile, right-hander Kutter Crawford (right patellar tendinopathy) is behind Bello and Giolito in his recovery. Currently training in Fort Myers, he has yet to face live hitters, suggesting his return could take longer.
With Bello, Giolito, and Crawford sidelined, the Red Sox have turned to right-hander Richard Fitts (Sunday’s starter) and left-hander Sean Newcomb (Monday’s starter) in their Opening Day rotation. Newcomb, a Massachusetts native who signed a minor league deal in the offseason, secured a roster spot with an impressive Grapefruit League performance, posting a 0.63 ERA with 13 strikeouts over 14 ⅓ innings. However, his time in the rotation is expected to be brief.
“We’ve got to keep throwing the cutter for strikes,” Cora said. “That pitch was a game-changer for him this spring. He learned to land it for strikes, then work off it. He faced tough lineups and earned his spot. Whether it’s two or three starts, it is what it is. But he’s here to contribute.”
Hendriks takes step forward
Reliever Liam Hendriks (right elbow inflammation) made progress toward his return on Sunday, playing catch at Globe Life Field ahead of Boston’s series finale against the Rangers. He mentioned that doctors advised him to rest from throwing for three days after receiving an injection designed to alleviate a compressed nerve in his pitching elbow.
Hendriks plans to gradually resume his regular throwing routine with hopes of being activated in the near future. While he is eligible to come off the injured list as early as April 8, the Red Sox appear to be taking a cautious approach with the right-hander, who last pitched in June 2023 following Tommy John surgery.
“We just have to be patient, right? He’s been through a lot over the last few years, and the last thing we want is to rush him back and risk another setback,” manager Alex Cora said. “He’s not the most patient guy, but he understands the situation. Hopefully, everything progresses smoothly, and we get him back sooner rather than later.”
Yoshida swinging again
Designated hitter/outfielder Masataka Yoshida (right shoulder labral repair) has resumed baseball activities after a brief shutdown due to minor back tightness. According to manager Alex Cora, Yoshida, currently in Boston, took 50 swings on Saturday.
While he continues to progress in his throwing program following shoulder surgery in October, his return to game action has been delayed. Initially expected to join Triple-A Worcester as a designated hitter in Jacksonville, that plan has been pushed back.
“He’s feeling better,” Cora said Saturday. “Nothing new on the throwing side.”
