Red Sox Notebook: Chris Sale ‘eye-opening’ in latest live BP, could begin rehab assignment soon

Chris Sale’s latest live bullpen session was better than even Alex Cora was expecting.

The Red Sox ace threw to live batters for the second time on Wednesday at Fenway Park during a session that Cora described as “eye-opening.” Sale was throwing fastballs at 94-95 mph and mixed in his slider and changeup while showing great command of his pitches.

“That’s something that I didn’t expect,” Cora said. “And he was able to throw fastballs inside, fastballs arm side, up and away, put people away. The changeup was good, the slider was good. That’s something that throughout the process, I do believe that that’s kind of like the last thing you get. The changeup and command, and for him to be dotting pitches already, it’s a great sign.”

Sale’s continued progress Wednesday put his future playing in games in further focus. As the Red Sox go on a West Coast trip starting this weekend, Sale will head down to Fort Myers to throw to hitters in a two-inning issue. After that, he could go on a rehab assignment, potentially in Worcester, as he gears toward a possible August return.

“It’s not guaranteed, obviously, but it’s trending that way,” Cora said of a rehab assignment coming soon. “We’ll see how he feels (Thursday). I always said that the most important thing about this whole process is the next day or the days in between live BPs or bullpens and all that.”

The Red Sox will continue to be patient and cautious with Sale as he returns from Tommy John surgery, but the excitement is only building.

“He’s looking forward to contributing,” Cora said. “He’s in a great frame of mind. Physically, he looks tremendous. … We just got to be patient, but he already is making an impact in the clubhouse. Just his knowledge, his communication with all the guys, he’s helping. So I know he’s dying (to return), he’s looking forward to contributing on the field, but so far he’s made an impact already in this club.”

Franchy’s at first?

Franchy Cordero has been mashing the ball since being demoted to Worcester, entering Wednesday slashing .385/.471/.673 with a 1.144 OPS in 27 games with six homers, 24 RBI and showing improved plate discipline with 17 walks. But there’s not much room for the left fielder in the Red Sox’ outfield to warrant a callup there right now.

So, they’re improvising. Cordero has started getting a look at first base in Worcester, and it could be his new path to the majors as a left-handed bat to complement Bobby Dalbec. Cordero originally signed to the majors as a shortstop, and Cora thinks his athleticism suits him at first.

“He’s gonna get his work in at first and whenever we decide for him to play at first, he’ll play it,” Cora said. “I think versatility is important in what we’re trying to accomplish. If you can handle that position, it’s not only good for us, it’s good for him, too. Just gives us another option, another versatile player and we’ll take advantage of that.”

Downs called to Denver

Red Sox prospect Jeter Downs was selected to the All-Star Futures Game that will be played at Coors Field in Denver on the Sunday before the All-Star Game, in the annual seven-inning game that features baseball’s best minor league prospects. Downs is the only representative for the Red Sox. Jarren Duran and Triston Casas were not selected, possibly due to commitments to the U.S. Olympic team.

“I think it’s great, honestly,” Cora said of Downs. “It’s a showcase. He’s going to be around the best of the best prospects in the league. This is a guy we believe is going to be a good big-league player. Just to be in that environment, you have to be special, so I’m looking forward to Jeter to go over there and do his thing and enjoy the whole experience.”

Houck looks good

Tanner Houck made his third start since returning from a flexor strain on Tuesday night in Worcester. He threw four innings and allowed two runs on three hits and no walks and struck out four.

“He felt like he was really good,” Cora said. “Command was good, the intent was good, very aggressive. Everything went well. Obviously, let’s see how he shows up today, if there’s any red flags. We don’t expect red flags, so it was a good one for him.”

Injury updates

Christian Arroyo (right shin bruise) took a pair of at-bats against Sale during his live session Tuesday and is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Wednesday in Worcester as the designated hitter. The second baseman will then likely join the Red Sox on their West Coast trip.

Dalbec, who left Tuesday’s game with right hamstring tightness, is doing OK but not 100% yet, Cora said. The first baseman wasn’t in Wednesday’s lineup.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2TfdBJF