Red Sox dodge bullet with latest injury scare that could've derailed bullpen

The Boston Red Sox already have quite a long list of injuries to attend to this spring training. Some are mild and not considered serious, some are season-ending, many are somewhere in between.

Any further injuries to pitchers could do some real damage to Boston's bullpen plans. With Lucas Giolito out for the season and Kenley Jansen not ready for game action, the Sox don't have room to lose many more pieces. So recent injury news about reliever Chris Martin is cause for concern from Boston fans.

Martin has been categorized as day-to-day with right groin tightness, per Rob Bradford of WEEI. Martin prematurely walked off the mound from a live batting practice to the concern of many reporters in Fort Myers.

Bradford later confirmed that Martin's shortened BP was merely precautionary. The veteran is not expected to be out long-term, but there isn't a clear timeline for his return.

Alex Cora said Martin "has time to be ready for Opening Day," which implies there's a chance he may not be. However, most outlets seem to be operating under the assumption that Martin will be on the Opening Day roster as intended.

Red Sox get promising news on Chris Martin minor injury

And that news bodes well for the Red Sox bullpen. Martin posted one of the most underrated performances in MLB last season — his great success was overshadowed by Boston's poor record.

Martin is a career 3.36 ERA pitcher, and he vastly outshined his expectations in 2023. He logged a 1.05 ERA in 51.1 innings with 46 strikeouts and just six earned runs. Martin even earned one vote for the American League Cy Young award consideration.

The veteran is entering his age-38 season and his experience is valuable in Boston's relatively young bullpen and young club overall. He and Kenley Jansen will serve as fine anchors for the back of the 'pen when they're both back in action.

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