Jansen, Martin feeling good
Relievers return for game vs. Orioles
FORT MYERS, Fla. — There’s considerably more space in the Red Sox clubhouse at this stage of spring training with 40 players left on the camp roster.
That group includes six players sure to open the season on the injured list: Lucas Giolito, Vaughn Grissom, Liam Hendriks, Bryan Mata, Chris Murphy, and Rob Refsnyder.
There are five other players who will land with Triple A Worcester barring an unexpected need.
That leaves 29 players for 26 spots. “We still have decisions to make,” manager Alex Cora said. “But we’re very comfortable.”
The health of late-inning relievers Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin is one factor, and that took a turn for the better on Thursday.
Jansen pitched a perfect inning in a 3-2 victory against Baltimore, striking out two. He threw nine of 13 pitches for strikes and was 93-94 miles per hour with his cutter.
Jansen pronounced himself ready for Opening Day.
“I feel great,” he said. “It’s going to be fun.”
Before Thursday, Jansen had pitched in one game because of a sore shoulder and tight back and was hit hard.
Martin followed Jansen to the mound and faced three batters, putting two on base. He threw 13 of 23 pitches for strikes and said afterward his command was off.
“I feel like I’m just throwing right now. But physically I feel good,” Martin said.
Until Thursday, Martin’s only appearance was in a minor league game. He hopes two more appearances will have him ready.
“Each one gets better and better,” Martin said.
Said Cora: “How they feel [Friday] will give us some clarity.”
The Sox lack lefthanders. There are none competing for a rotation slot and the only lefthanded relievers are Brennan Bernardino, Joely Rodriguez, and Lucas Luetge.
As other teams make cuts, the Sox are likely to seek upgrades via the waiver wire or a minor trade.
“We’re aware of other guys, too. We’re going to make the best decisions for the roster,” Cora said.
Bello adjusts
Brayan Bello was scheduled to face the Blue Jays in Dunedin on Friday afternoon. But with heavy rain in the forecast, he will pitch on Saturday afternoon against the Pirates at Bradenton.
The righthander remains lined up to start Thursday on Opening Day in Seattle.
The weather led to other adjustments. Cora and the major league coaches will not travel to Dunedin, a three-hour drive. The Double A staff will go instead.
Bobby Dalbec and Pablo Reyes are among the players scheduled for the trip. Tanner Houck will pitch five innings on Friday, likely in a simulated game in the batting cages.