Red Sox's pitching rotation for Spring Training Feb 21-25

The Boston Red Sox released their starting rotation for this week's Spring Training games, and really, there is nothing special or telling about it. The first couple of weeks, pitchers are randomly selected to pitch about 35 or so pitches and get their work in. Relievers start games, and starters sometimes close games. Many times, they are not even trying to get the batters out, as they are working more on certain pitches that the catcher calls. Winning and losing is not important in Spring Training, but location of pitches and covering bases are.

During the next six games, there are some pitchers you might want to spend some time watching:

Watch on February 21st as Daniel Bard takes the mound to (hopefully) re-create his 2010 and 2011 stuff. After a 2011 campaign where he posted a 3.33 ERA with 74 Ks in only 73 INN as a reliever, Bard collapsed in 2012 as a starter. His ERA doubled (6.22 ERA) and he was essentially banished to AAA.

Tune in Sunday February 24th to watch John Lackey start his first game since 2011. He has lost a ton of weight and looks much more relaxed and ready for this season. He definitely looks like he wants to win back his fans.

Also on Sunday, Jon Lester begins his year as the supposed Ace of this year's team. All of Red Sox Nation should hold their breath, because not only do we need him healthy, but we need Lester dealing if Boston wants a shot at the playoffs.



Here are the projected pitchers for the next 6 games:

Thursday, Feb 21 vs Northeastern Univ. 1:35pm
Joel Hanrahan (starter)
Will also pitch: Daniel Bard, Andrew Miller, Alex Wilson,Clayton Mortensen, Pedro Beato, Anthony Carter.

Thursday, Feb 21st vs Boston College 4pm
Koji Uehara (starter)
Will also pitch: Andrew Bailey, Oscar Villareal, Terry Doyle, Jose De La Torre, Junichi Tazawa.

Saturday Feb 23rd vs Rays 1:35pm
John Lackey (Starter)
Will also pitch: Drake Britton, Pedro Beato,Anthony Carter, Jose De La Torre, Oscar Villareal, Alex Wilson, Steven Wright.

Sunday Feb 24th at Cardinals 1:05pm
John Lester (starter)
Will also pitch: Rubby Da La Rosa, Junichi Tazawa, Joel Hanrahan, Andrew Bailey, Andrew Miller, Koji Uehara.

Monday Feb 25th at Blue Jays 1:05pm(split squad)
Steven Wright (starter)
Will also pitch: Allen Webster, Terry Doyle, Jose De La Torre, Pedro Beato, Chris Carpenter, Anthony Carter.

Monday Feb 25th at Rays 1:05pm(split squad)
Alfredo Aceves (starter)
Will also pitch: Chris Hernandez, Daniel Bard, Clayton Mortensen, Oscar Villareal, Alex Wilson.


If all goes well and in order, Jon Lester would get the start for Boston on Opening Day, April 1st at New York.

Photo courtesy of BostonHerald.com

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