Brayan Bello and Garrett Whitlock throw bullpens, Justin Turner stitches update
The Red Sox had both Garrett Whitlock and Brayan Bello throw live bullpens on Saturday. Both pitchers are working towards getting back into the rotation. Whitlock has been working back from hip surgery last season, while Bello had been dealing with forearm tightness earlier in camp.
Whitlock threw two innings on Saturday, facing hitters that included top prospect Ceddanne Rafaela. The 26-year-old threw 46 pitches, 32 for strikes and it’s expected that the next time he throws off the mound will be in a game next week, per Mac Cerullo of the Eagle Tribune.
The former Rule 5 draft pick felt good after his session today and was in good spirits, per source.
Whitlock is expected to make his spring debut against the Tampa Bay Rays next Wednesday.
Bello made it through his entire bullpen without any issues. The right-hander threw all of his pitches and told Cerullo he was “feeling great.”
“We’re back,” said Bello following his workout today. The 23-year-old threw 17 pitches, 11 for strikes.
Both pitchers are progressing nicely as they continue to rehab, Whitlock could miss just one or two turns in the rotation to begin the season. Bello appears to be one turn behind Whitlock, per Ian Browne of MLB.com.
Justin Turner Update
Justin Turner has begun some light cardio work as he continues to come back from being hit in the face by a pitch on Monday. Turner had 16 stitches put in his face following the injury and he could have them removed as soon as Sunday, per WEEI’s Rob Bradford.
Cora told reporters on Friday that the team is taking is “day by day” with Turner.
“We have plenty of time. The hope is for him to be with us right away. He’s in good spirits,” said Cora.
The 38-year-old could take batting practice on Sunday, reports Bradford.
Boston is confident that Turner will be ready by Opening Day on March 30. The 38-year-old is going to get some at-bats in minor-league games and live batting practices, per Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe. He will not return to action until he gets his 16 stitches removed, Cora believes that could happen next week.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
Join our new Facebook group for all of our latest content, click the link here.
