Pomeranz reports ‘no pain’ in forearm
RED SOX NOTEBOOK
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Drew Pomeranz says he’s feeling “no pain” anymore in the mildly strained flexor tendon of his left forearm. The news allowed the Red Sox to breathe a sigh of relief that last Friday’s injury represents only a hiccup.
Being ready to start the season is possible, even if an exact plan for his return has not been worked out yet. Today was the starter’s day to throw, but that will be pushed back.
“He should start throwing in the upcoming days,” manager Alex Cora said after a 9-1 Grapefruit League victory against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Cora did not want to forecast Pomeranz’ availability for Opening Day.
“Looks that way, but I don’t want to put a timetable, and like I said about other guys, we’re not going to push somebody just to push them. We know it’s 162 games,” Cora said. “We’re just going to make sure it’s the right program for him and then see where he’s at.”
Martinez steps in
J.D. Martinez will make his first start with the Red Sox today against the Minnesota Twins at JetBlue Park. Cora was looking forward to the new designated hitter/corner outfielder being in the lineup.
“It will great to see (Martinez) there, the fans are excited, everybody’s excited,” Cora said. “He kept pushing and he’s in a good spot. He did a great job of getting his legs under him and getting ready and now we go.”
Eduardo Nunez, who has been working his way back from knee surgery, will probably appear in his first game tomorrow . . . .
Right fielder Mookie Betts was scheduled to play in yesterday’s game, but after going hitless in his first six games, he asked to get more work in back in Fort Myers.
“He (said), ‘I’ll stay back to get at-bats,’” Cora said. “It’s good for him.” . . .
Third baseman Rafael Devers and shortstop Xander Bogaerts hit back-toback home runs to lead off the second inning against the Rays. Devers’ shot was to the opposite field on an 0-2 count, and it left Cora marvelling.
“He misses a fastball, he swings through a changeup, and then he gets a slider and hits it the other way like that,” Cora said. “It’s amazing. We keep preaching stay in the zone because the smaller the strike zone gets to him, the better he’s going to be. So we’re just going to keep preaching that, preaching that, and he’s a special one.”
Swihart in LF
Blake Swihart played left field for the first time since he crashed into the wall at Fenway Park and broke his ankle in 2016.
“Just like old times,” Swihart said with a grin.
Swihart got involved right away. The Rays’ Kevin Keirmaier lined out to left leading off the first inning.
The previous injury was not on his mind.
“No, not at all — next time I’ll just jump into it instead of run into it,” Swihart said.
The catcher-turned-utility man was 1-for-3 with his sixth double of the spring. He’s hitting .417 . . . .
Brock Holt was scratched from the lineup because of left abdominal tightness.
The utility man “felt a little grab” while playing catch during batting practice. He was scheduled to play second base.