Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Franklin Morales made it through five innings against the Cub (4H, 2 R, 0 BB, 9 K). At one time, it looked like he might be the first reliever to go if/when changes were made to the bullpen (especially when Andrew Bailey is healthy).
But now he may have secured the spot start/long relief role for now. How long will Morales be a starter? Well, that depends ...
On Josh Beckett's shoulder, Boston's plans on Daniel Bard when he's called back from Pawtucket (starter or reliever?), if Daisuke Matsuzaka can be consistently effective, if Aaron Cook shows he has something to offer.
As for Sunday's game, did anyone in the spring figure on a Red Sox victory with Morales pitching, Scott Podsednik in left field, Ryan Kalish getting the go-ahead RBI and Daniel Nava putting down a suicide squeeze bunt?
Podsednik left with a groin strain. Depending on how serious, he could be the player out (on DL) when Cody Ross come back from the DL (expected on Tuesday).
Speaking of Bard, he pitched two innings for Pawtucket (2 H, 2 K).
The Red Sox would like to think they have a future starter in Stolmy Pimentel. He has put together few consistent outings, until Sunday: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K.
Juan Carlos Linares (.343) was 3-for-4 with his 8th HR ... Bryce Brentz (.289( was 2-for-4 with his 9th HR.
Jackie Bradley (/359/.480 OBP) went 2-for-3 with a walk for Salem ... Michael Almanzar (.303) was 3-for-4.
And in case you missed it, here's the link to Sunday's Father's Day column
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Kevin Thomas covers baseball and basketball for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He wisely moved to Maine in 1994 after working for the St. Petersburg Times. He is married to Nancy and they have nine children.
Follow his thoughts on the Boston Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs on Clearing the Bases
Follow his thoughts on the Boston Celtics and Maine Red Claws on Holding Court
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