Red Sox Add Bard, Doubront To Starting Rotation
BOSTON (CBS) - The Red Sox have added Daniel Bard and Felix Doubront to the starting rotation to start the season, according to several reports.
Bobby Valentine named Doubront (a lefty) the No. 4 starter, and Bard the No. 5. With lefty Jon Lester at the No. 1 slot and Doubront at No. 4 (and not No. 5), the Red Sox won't be sending out lefty starters back-to-back.
CSNNE's Sean McAdam, a frequent contributor to 98.5 The Sports Hub, said that Bobby Valentine hinted to reporters on Sunday that there was an undisclosed injury concern with another reliever, which is why Alfredo Aceves, who was vying for a spot in the rotation, was sent to fortify the bullpen instead.
McAdam reported that the injury concern is with new closer Andrew Bailey, who has a thumb injury and may open the season on the DL.
The Red Sox also sent down catcher Ryan Lavarnway to Triple-A Pawtucket, leaving the major league club with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Kelly Shoppach behind the plate.
