CLEVELAND (AP) - The Boston Red Sox are closer to getting back two key members of their pitching staff.
Bobby Jenks and John Lackey, both on the disabled list with injuries, could be back on the mound soon for Boston.
“They both feel good,” manager Terry Francona said. “That’s kind of exciting.”
Jenks, who has been on the disabled list since May 5 with a right biceps strain, threw 25 pitches in a bullpen session prior to Monday’s game against the Indians. He plans to throw again in the bullpen Wednesday.
“The way it went today, we’re right on schedule,” Jenks said. “The biceps is back to where it was a few weeks ago.”
Jenks, who averaged 33 saves the past five seasons with the Chicago White Sox, was signed as setup man for Boston’s bullpen, but has struggled. He’s 1-2 with a 9.35 ERA in 11 appearances and opponents are batting .333 against him.
Jenks hopes to be activated when the Red Sox play in Detroit this weekend.
“I need to get back out there,” he said. “It’s been way too long. I’m going crazy in the dugout.”
Lackey, who has been on the DL since May 16 with a right elbow strain, plans to have a bullpen session on Tuesday. Lackey is 2-5 with an 8.01 ERA in seven starts, allowing 53 hits in 39 1/3 innings.
Francona isn’t sure about the specifics of the bullpen session for Lackey, who threw off flat ground Sunday after receiving a cortisone shot last week.
“It probably depends on how he feels and how aggressive he gets,” Francona said. “Rather than go into it with a number or intensity in mind, we’ll see how he does. It seems like he’s throwing really well.”
Lackey, who was 14-11 last season, was hit hard in his past two starts before going on the DL. He allowed 17 earned runs and 19 hits in 10 2/3 innings with eight walks and two strikeouts.
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