Colon to join Sox soon

April 5, 2008 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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Bartolo Colon’s impressive start at AAA-Pawtucket on Thursday has earned him a trip to the bigs, in a couple weeks that is. Boston Red Sox manager, Terry Francona said the pitcher will join the team once he’s ready. The team wants to stretch Colon out to about 100 pitches before calling him up. His last start he only threw 74. So essentially, he is in extended spring training but against much tougher opponents.

Francona and pitching coach John Farrell spoke with Colon recently and a plan was worked out between the three. Colon will throw about 85 pitches in his 2nd start, then hopefully be stretched out to 100 in his 3rd. If everything with his body is feeling good after the 100-pitch start, the Red Sox will call him up to the bigs.

The Red Sox have numerous pitchers coming off the DL over the next 2 weeks. Josh Beckett, Mike Timlin and the fore mentioned Colon. That means three pitchers will be losing their jobs and be sent back to the minors or put on waivers. The most likely candidates for demotion include Javier Lopez, Bryan Corey, David Aardsma and Kyle Snyer. All four have no options left thou so would have to clear waivers to be sent down. Another option is Clay Buchholz, if he struggles over the first 3 weeks you may see him sent back down for more seasoning once Colon is ready.