Sonny Gray expected back Wednesday; Red Sox await more pitching help
Boston is expected to get right-hander Sonny Gray back from the 15-day injured list on Wednesday.
According to Chad Tracy, “all things point toward” Gray starting the series finale in Detroit. Gray exited his Marathon Monday start with hamstring tightness but has continued trending in the right direction.
“Right now, all things point toward Sonny starting,” Tracy said before Tuesday’s game. “We’re going to talk more about it after the game, but we’re heading in that direction.”
The Red Sox are also lining up rookie left-handers Jake Bennett and Connelly Early, in some order, to start the upcoming series against Tampa Bay at Fenway Park. Ranger Suárez could potentially factor into the series as well, though the club is continuing to monitor his hamstring tightness.
“Things are progressing,” Tracy said of Suárez. “I think we’re still optimistic. Because of where we’re at and when he pitches, there’s no need for us to have to make a decision on that. We’ll just keep seeing how he progresses over the next couple days before we decide.”
Payton Tolle is currently lined up to start Sunday’s series finale after earning his first major league win Monday night against Detroit. The left-hander tossed seven innings, allowing two unearned runs on one hit while striking out eight and walking one. He threw 83 pitches, 59 for strikes, and generated nine swings and misses.
Meanwhile, Garrett Crochet traveled with the team to Detroit and has resumed throwing as he works his way back from the injured list.
“We actually have some moderate throwing program going on,” Tracy said. “Nothing over the top, but he has resumed some throwing.
“Nothing imminent here. We’re just going to progress his throwing as tolerated, take him day-to-day and keep seeing how he responds day-to-day before increasing intensity. He has been throwing a baseball over the last couple of days.”
Justin Slaten will continue his rehab assignment Wednesday and is expected to start for the WooSox at Polar Park.