The Red Sox start Grapefruit League play on Saturday, but it appears that they have already decided on the rotation in advance of Opening Day.
Boston’s starting lineup is set by Brayan Bello and summer newcomer Lucas Giolito, but there are a number of other players fighting for a position. According to Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald, manager Alex Cora stated that Kutter Crawford was “in the lead” over other choices prior to Boston’s spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles and that Nick Pivetta had won a position in the rotation.
This indicates that there are two positions in the rotation that are up for grabs. Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck, and Josh Wincowski are the candidates for the No. 5 spot in the rotation assuming Crawford secures the No. 4 spot.
During spring training, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow informed reporters that Boston is still considering its alternatives, and that the Red Sox are still pursuing Jordan Montgomery. But for the remaining prospects for starting pitchers to leave an impression, the spring training games will be crucial.
On Saturday, Whitlock will take the mound vs the Orioles. Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida is set to open play at 1:05 p.m. ET. All of the action is available to watch on NESN and NESN 360.
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