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Pedro set to return this week
MLB.com • Aug. 5
The Boston Red Sox are just days away from bringing pitcher Pedro Martinez off the disabled list.
Martinez (9-1) has been on the DL for close to two months with bone chip problems in his elbow. He says he's feeling fine now and is eager to get back on the mound.
"I can't wait to get back out there and help this team," said Martinez, who signed a new lucrative six-year deal shortly before suffering his injury.
A lot has happened since Martinez went down. And the Red Sox have some big questions to answer as they make space to bring him back.
In terms of wins and losses, the Sox haven't missed a beat. They have the sharp pitching of starters like Derek Lowe (15-2) and Curt Schilling (14-2) to thank for it.
They got rid of Tim Wakefield and BK Kim but picked up fireballers Josh Beckett and Brad Penny. While Beckett has struggled since coming over the AL (2-3), Penny has gotten better and better -- one out from a complete-game shutout a few nights ago against Tampa Bay.
The biggest surprise of all has been the workman like play of free agent pickup Aaron Sele. He's 4-0 in six starts with Boston with an ERA around 4.80. He's had really one bad game.
So, do the Sox send Sele down? Or do they go with the hot hand and leave him up? Who then would they move down? Some think the Sox may move a reliever down and leave six starters up on the Big Club. Either Sele or possibly even Beckett or Penny would move to the bullpen.
Imagine Josh Beckett as a set-up guy or stopper. It could happen, though Beckett has said he wouldn't be happy losing his starting job.
"I realize I'm struggling a bit right now, but I'll get it together," he said.
Regardless, an already solid bullpen is about to get that much better in a few days. Welcome back, Pedro.
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