The Red Sox recalled lefty starter Jon Lester today from Pawtucket, and he will start tomorrow night in Cleveland against the Indians. It is his regular rotation spot, so it will be a perfect fit for him.
Julian Tavarez is being moved back to the bullpen. He's been getting hammered lately, although he seems to pitch well for the first few innings before he gets hit. Tavarez figures to share the longman role with Kyle Snyder. It is expected that Javier Lopez will return to Pawtucket, as he still has options left. (Update: The Red Sox elected instead to DFA [designated for assignment] Joel Pineiro, the righty who has struggled mightily this season, and became the Sox garbage time pitcher, to make room for Lester. Thank God Pineiro went nowhere near the closer role this season.)
It has been an up-and-down year for Lester at Pawtucket, as he is 4-5 with a 3.89 ERA. He has pitched well in his last four starts, going 3-1. But his strikeout totals are down. Throughout his minor league career he has averaged about a strikeout an inning. But in his last 55 innings, Lester has fanned just 38.
Good luck in Cleveland tomorrow night, Jon. It's good to have you back.
David Ortiz Update: Big Papi will sit out today's game against the White Sox, and may miss a couple of games against Cleveland, due to the sore shoulder he suffered with his dive into second base on Friday night. It's nothing serious, as the MRI proved nothing was damaged.
3 comments:
Francona said that Piniero will be DFA'd. As for Jon, I fully expect this to be a one and done.
I think they'll be taking it a start at a time with Lester. Hopefully he does well.
I'm looking forward to the game tonight. It will be interesting to see if the Cleveland fans give him a cheer; if they know his story and his progress.
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