By Jordan Long
Boston Red Sox pitcher Drew Pomeranz left Saturday’s Grapefruit League start after 17 pitches. He felt tightness in his forearm. Pomeranz underwent an MRI and the Red Sox received news on the injury. It is a mild flexor tendon strain in his left elbow. The Red Sox will re-evaluate him tomorrow to see how serious it is and if Pomeranz will miss the start of the regular season. He will be shut down for the rest of Spring Training. According to MLB.com Red Sox Manager Alex Cora said, “Just the flexor tendon strain. No structural damage. We’ll see Tuesday. At this time, we feel pretty confident he’s going to be fine.”
This is not the worst injury. The Red Sox need Drew Pomeranz for the regular season. He is their 3rd starter and the hope is he won’t miss anytime this season. If he ends up missing time, it may hurt this rotation. Pomeranz is one of their top strike out pitchers. Last season he had 174 strikeouts which helped him to a 17-6 record.
The Red Sox would move Rick Porcello into that slot. He wasn’t terrible as the Red Sox 5th starter with a 11-17 record. He is better than Pomeranz striking out batters with 181. The problem with him is he gives up too many home runs and takes chances with his command. Porcello gave up 38 homeruns.
If Porcello isn’t getting the job done, the Red Sox have plenty of depth. Eduardo Rodriguez, Steven Wright and Brian Johnson are the other pitchers who could replace Pomeranz.
The Red Sox are going to be fine if Pomeranz has to miss some of the season. It is better to miss the start of the year rather than a playoff push. Hopefully Pomeranz will be ready to go for opening day.
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