BALTIMOREIt appears that the Sox bullpen will be getting a little stronger in time for their big divisional games against the Orioles and Yankees.
Andrew Bailey came through a Sunday rehab appearance with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox looking dominant and healthy after 1 13 scoreless innings of relief. The Red Sox wanted to see Bailey get into a game in the middle of an inning, throw a few pitches, cool down and then get back on the mound for another inning of work. He did just that while striking out one batter in Sundays outing, and has allowed one hit with four strikeouts in three rehab appearances for the PawSox.
If Bailey comes through everything without any problems, its expected that Bailey will be activated for Tuesdays game on the road against the Baltimore Orioles.
As long as what he says matches up with what our reports and our medical staff is saying, then we should see him at some point soon, said Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine.
In six games and 6 13 innings pitched during his rehab Bailey has fanned 10 batters, walked one and allowed six hits while showing exactly the kind of swing-and-miss stuff Boston envisioned when he was signed.
Valentine said on Sunday that the Red Sox didnt have any designated role in mind for Bailey as he works his first few games in a Sox uniform, but its more than likely hell be eased into any bullpen niche with other players in established roles this season.