Alex Cora reveals initial Red Sox spring training rotation as injuries linger

The Red Sox begin playing games this weekend. After their annual game against Northeastern on Friday, they’ll take the field for their first real spring training game on Saturday afternoon. With games comes the need for a pitching rotation, which manager Alex Cora shared in part on Tuesday.

Right now, the rotation starts with a question mark, as Saturday starter against the Braves still remains to be determined. Righty Josh Winckowski will then get the start on Sunday, followed by Kutter Crawford on Monday. On Tuesday, Corey Kluber – who was one of the biggest offseason additions for the Sox – will make his first start in a Red Sox uniform.

• Corey Kluber working with Tanner Houck.
  pic.twitter.com/DrpxLpLCvA

  — Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) February 14, 2023

• Kluber, after signing a one-year, $11 million dollar deal this winter, is expected to be a part of the Red Sox rotation once the regular season begins. Winckowski also may get a shot at a role after starting 14 of his 15 appearances last year, although that was as more of an ‘opener’ than a ‘starter.’

  Sorting out the initial rotation will be one of the biggest questions for the Red Sox to answer this summer. Also in contention for if not in line for a spot are Chris Sale, Garrett Whitlock, Nick Pivetta, James Paxton, Tanner Houck, and Brayan Bello.

  However, not all of those pitchers will be able to compete right away. Whitlock is still recovering from offseason hip surgery, and Bello was shut down last week with forearm soreness. On top of that, Pivetta also just pulled out of next month’s World Baseball Classic as he works his way back from an illness.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.