MLB teams
Scott Lauber, ESPN Staff Writer 7y

John Farrell: Steven Wright won't be ready in time for ALDS

MLB, Boston Red Sox

BOSTON -- Boston Red Sox right-hander Steven Wright will not be available for the American League Division Series, manager John Farrell confirmed Friday.

Wright, who is rehabbing his injured right shoulder, threw 35 pitches in a bullpen session Thursday at what Farrell said was 70 percent effort. While it was considered a step in the right direction, Farrell said there is not enough time for Wright to be ready once the ALDS rosters are due before next Thursday's Game 1.

"It's likely he throws two more 'pens, the next being Monday, before we would look to alter his program -- in other words, start to see hitters," Farrell said.

Wright hasn't pitched since Aug. 31, when he gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks in four innings against Tampa Bay.

Farrell said he has not set his postseason rotation, but he has Rick Porcello going Friday against Toronto. That would give Porcello, a Cy Young Award candidate, five days of rest before a likely Game 1 start.

Farrell did indicate that he is not planning to use Porcello or his Game 2 starter, likely to be David Price, on three days' rest in Games 4 or 5. That could mean that Clay Buchholz and Eduardo Rodriguez will both make starts if the ALDS extends beyond three games.

"Can't say today we're sitting here with our Game 1 starter coming back on short rest," Farrell added. "That may change based on extra innings or weather-related situations, but as of now, no."

While the rotation is not set in stone, the roster also remains a work in progress. Brock Holt is starting at third base and batting second against Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada on Friday, further indication that the Sox have their man going forward at the hot corner.

Holt has started three of the past four games at third.

"This is the time of year where you're looking to the current best lineup you can put on the field, and we're fortunate his versatility has shown up in a couple of ways," Farrell said of Holt. "He's a confident defender at third base, and his skill set is different than the other guys. Against right-handed pitching, that could be the guy we go to at this point."

The bullpen is largely set, but left-hander Drew Pomeranz could throw himself into the mix. Pomeranz is working his way back from a forearm issue and threw a bullpen session Thursday, and Farrell said he wants to get him into a game over the weekend.

"There's a number of things that are still in the balance here, and we'll get more clarity once we get through Sunday," Farrell said. "There's still roster decisions to be had. The opponent is going to have a lot to do with that."

The Sox enter Friday two games behind Texas for the best record in the American League and a half-game up on AL Central champ Cleveland, which might play a makeup game in Detroit on Monday if anything in the standings remains up in the air.

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