Football
Associated Press 17y

Schilling appears ready, able to rejoin Red Sox

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Boston right-hander Curt Schilling was upbeat one day after his second rehabilitation start and will likely rejoin the Red Sox rotation in a little more than one week.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona, before Friday night's game at Tampa Bay, said Schilling's probable return will be on Aug. 5 at Seattle or one day later against the Los Angeles Angels.

"I feel great,'' Schilling said Friday. "Feel strong. I think we're at the point now where I can continue to really grind it between starts.''

Schilling looked impressive Thursday, throwing five scoreless innings and striking out eight in his latest start for Triple-A Pawtucket. He flew to Florida afterward to continue his rehab program with the Red Sox before rejoining Pawtucket for what should be his final minor league start Tuesday.

"When I come back here, I can't be a guy that taxes the bullpen,'' Schilling said. "I've got to be able to go deep into ballgames.''

Schilling hasn't pitched for Boston in more than a month since he went on the disabled list on June 22 because of tendinitis in his shoulder.

"I think he should be [upbeat],'' Francona said. "He threw the ball really well.''

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