The Boston Red Sox have entered spring training with at least 7 pitchers who will seriously contend for a spot in the Opening Day starting rotation. Despite this strong depth, there was an overwhelming feeling of angst after news broke that Brayan Bello was being shut down few a few days due to forearm tightness/soreness. Bello is believed to be a young star in the making, and he has been working with Red Sox legend Pedro Martinez over the off-season.
The latest update on the health of Red Sox starting pitchers Brayan Bello and Chris Sale
As Red Sox Nation held its breath over the weekend, hoping for the best but fearing the worst (since forearm problems are sometimes a leading indicator to elbow injuries), Brayan Bello continued to participate in fielding practice for the last 2 days.
Bello refrained from throwing in those drills, but today Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reported out some good news via Twitter after catching up with Red Sox manager Alex Cora:
Alex Cora says Brayan Bello “will be ready” to throw tomorrow. Flat ground, and they’ll go from there.
— Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) February 19, 2023
It's too soon to breathe a sigh of relief just yet, but it is welcomed news that Bello remains on track to resume throwing tomorrow. We'll be sure to bring you updates on how he fares during his throwing session and any other information on his health status when it becomes available.
The ace of the Red Sox, Chris Sale, has also been watched closely in the first week of spring camp. He has had a hard time staying healthy in recent seasons, but the reports on his health over past month or so have been very encouraging.
The update provided during Winter Weekend was that he would be ready for Opening Day, and after throwing multiple bullpens this week it seems that he remains on-track.
Chris Sale on the mound. pic.twitter.com/8avwJ7xD1O
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) February 15, 2023
According to multiple reports out of Fort Myers, Sale is set to face live hitters this week. This will be an important step in his journey back to full strength, but for now he continues to check all the necessary boxes to prove he's on pace to make his return on Opening Day.
Important reminder: The first game of the spring for the 2023 Boston Red Sox will take place on Friday, February 24th, an exhibition game against Northeastern University. Be sure to keep it locked right here with BoSox Injection, where you will get all of the latest information on roster news, spring training breakout performers, injury updates, and much more!