Red Sox: Steven Wright, Drew Pomeranz throw off mound
By Sean Penney
Boston Red Sox pitchers Steven Wright and Drew Pomeranz showed they have put injuries behind them by throwing off of a mound for the first time this spring.
The back end of the Boston Red Sox starting rotation will begin to have a bit more clarity now that all the candidates are healthy enough to resume pitching.
Knuckleball pitcher Steven Wright and lefty Drew Pomeranz were delayed in getting their spring training routines started while they continued to work their way back from injuries.
Wright was still recovering from a shoulder injury that brought a premature end to his breakout season. The knuckelballer suffered a setback last fall when he experienced bursitis in his throwing shoulder and wasn’t quite back to full strength when pitchers and catchers reported to Fort Myers last week.
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Pomeranz also needed extra time to work his way back after receiving an experimental stem-cell injection over the offseason to alleviate discomfort in his throwing elbow.
Both pitchers are a bit behind schedule, but those health concerns can essentially be put to rest now that they’ve resumed throwing off of a mound. They each made it through the session without incident and walked away feeling great.
MLB.com’s Ian Browne captured video of the two pitchers throwing a bullpen session on Monday, indicating they are back on track.
The top three spots in the Red Sox rotation are locked in with Rick Porcello, David Price and newcomer Chris Sale. The remaining slots will be up for grabs this spring, with Wright, Pomeranz and Eduardo Rodriguez all vying for the role.
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One of those talented pitchers will be left out, but it’s encouraging to see that all three contenders are now prepared to battle for the open spots. The Red Sox will have the luxury of selecting their starters based on who has performed well, rather than settling for who is healthy enough to pitch.