


Red Sox manager Alex Cora provided an update on the club’s two rehabbing position players, saying outfielder Rob Refsnyder and Vaughn Grissom are both off to good starts and will rejoin the WooSox this week after spending Monday back with the big league club in Boston.
Cora also noted that Refsnyder (broken toe) is feeling great after running around a lot on Sunday and will have a chance to play a new position as he works his way back.
“We’re going to do is reintroduce him to first base and get some repetitions there,” Cora said of Refsnyder. “I think that’s going to help us versatility-wise, and especially with what we’re trying to accomplish now moving guys around, so that will be good for him.”
Vaughn Grissom (left hamstring strain) played in his first two rehab games with the WooSox as a designated hitter over the weekend and is expected to get back on the field this week, primarily at second base. Cora said he could also play a few innings at shortstop during his rehab assignment but that second will be the focus.
Nick Pivetta (right elbow flexor strain) is continuing to make progress, with Cora saying he’s doing well and was scheduled to throw again on Monday. Cora wouldn’t put a timetable on his return but said he’s trending in the right direction.
Chris Martin, who hasn’t pitched since last Wednesday due to soreness in his non-throwing shoulder, was feeling “ok” Monday morning. Cora said he’ll be available to pitch in the series opener against Cleveland, though he followed that with a wink, no doubt to cast some level of uncertainty to the Guardians.
There is also question over who will pitch Thursday’s series finale. Cora said the club is considering going with a bullpen game and using an opener, but that will depend on how the first three games play out and who is available by that point.
One player who should definitely be good to go, hopefully, is Rafael Devers. The All-Star third baseman returned to the lineup Monday, and Cora said he’s ready to go and that the time off should help prevent the shoulder issue from lingering.
“I think what we tried to accomplish the last three days was to avoid that, but you never know,” Cora said. “He’s going to continue to swing hard and hopefully make an adjustment as far as preparation will help him to be ok. That’s the reason we stayed away from him, he didn’t hit for like two days at one point, but he feels good and hopefully this is it for him.”