Flu outbreak with Red Sox didn’t reach Pawtucket Boles aiming to get all field players action in Lehigh Valley before home opener
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Knock on wood, the Pawtucket Red Sox to this point have avoided the flu outbreak that’s been running rampant through the Red Sox clubhouse.
Manager Kevin Boles said before Friday’s season opener at Lehigh Valley that the flu bug surfaced at the minor-league level as spring training drew to a close. Thankfully, the flu didn’t accompany the PawSox during the relocation process from Fort Myers, Fla.
“It kind of went away,” Boles said. “So far, we haven’t had anything yet.”
When the current group of PawSox reinforcements return to the Triple-A ranks, the hope is they don’t bring the flu with them. The Red Sox called up three players on Thursday: infielders Deven Marrero and Marco Hernandez and relief pitcher Noe Ramirez.
“Just like the major-league club, we don’t need it,” Boles said. “It doesn’t need to keep coming back and forth.”
The severe case of the flu has only heightened the importance of the role that Pawtucket plays when it comes to supplying reinforcements to Boston. Marrero, Hernandez, and Ramirez were summoned before the PawSox played their first official game of the season.
“You just never know what can happen here. Sure enough, we have three moves before we throw a pitch,” Boles said. “Obviously we want our major-league club to stay healthy, but if there’s a need, guys are going to be called upon.”
*** Thursday’s rainout resulted in a slight reshuffling of Pawtucket’s starting rotation.
Shawn Haviland started Friday’s season opener with Brian Johnson on track to make the start on Saturday night. Sunday’s doubleheader will feature Henry Owens in Game 1 followed by newcomer Marcus Walden.
When the PawSox open the home portion of the 2017 schedule against Syracuse on Monday, they’ll do so with spring-training standout Kyle Kendrick on the mound. Kendrick was viewed as Drew Pomeranz insurance in the event Pomeranz suffered a setback with the left forearm flexor strain that landed him on the disabled list.
Hector Velazquez, who the Red Sox signed out of the Mexican League in February, will start for the PawSox on Tuesday. ***
Friday saw Pawtucket go through an on-field workout for the first time since spring training ended. Rain forced the team to remain indoors during Tuesday’s media day at McCoy Stadium. More inclement weather resulted in a rainout on Thursday.
“(Friday) is going to be important as far as getting outside and taking batting practice,” Boles said.
Boles said the team was chomping at the bit to get the season rolling on Thursday. He also agreed with the decision to postpone the opener.
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Save for the starting pitchers, Boles says the plan is to get everyone in at least one game prior to Monday’s home opener.
“You don’t want to through the first series and have someone not touch the field. (Sunday’s doubleheader) certainly helps and is a great opportunity,” Boles said. “We don’t make promises to guys, but more chances than not, everybody is going to get a chance to play.”
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Friday marked the 45th Opening Day (or Night) for the PawSox as the Triple-A affiliate of the Red Sox. … A reminder that Saturday’s “Touch of Spring” Open House at McCoy Stadium is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Former Red Sox pitchers Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd will be on hand to sign autographs and pose for pictures.