FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Pitchers and catchers underwent annual physicals Monday and the Sox determined some slight shoulder weakness with both Felix Doubront and reliever Craig Breslow.
As such, both will proceed cautiously in the first few weeks until their shoulder strength improves.
"Not because of injury situations," stressed John Farrell, "just because of some discomfort and overall (lack of) strength that they felt during their long-toss programs. Both of those guys will be a little bit held back -- more precautionary than anything.
"When they got aggressive in their long-toss programs, there was some sensation in there, a little bit of irritation. We want to be clear that it's not an injury situation. It's just precautionary at this point. And with the additional time in spring training, we're going to take advantage of it early."