The Boston Red Sox will showcase one of their key offseason acquisitions, Johan Oviedo, as he makes his debut today against the Minnesota Twins. The game is set for 1:05 p.m. at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. Oviedo is slated to pitch for two innings, a crucial opportunity for him to solidify his position in the team’s starting rotation.
Alex Cora, the Red Sox manager, expressed optimism about Oviedo’s performance, emphasizing the importance of throwing strikes and making steady progress. “We saw what he can do last year when he’s in the zone,” Cora noted, referring to Oviedo’s previous season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. “He’s a big dude that has great extension and a good fastball. The last live was a real good one, throwing fastballs down and away, it’s a tough at bat.”
As the competition for the final spot in the Red Sox rotation intensifies, Oviedo’s performance will be closely monitored. The team has high hopes for the right-handed pitcher, who has shown promise in spring training.
In addition to Oviedo’s debut, the Red Sox lineup features four primary outfielders, with Roman Anthony leading off as the designated hitter. He is followed by Ceddanne Rafaela in center field, Jarren Duran in right field, and Wilyer Abreu in left field. Notably, Duran and Abreu are switching their usual positions to prepare for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where they will represent Mexico and Venezuela, respectively.
The rest of the lineup includes Carlos Narvaez as the catcher batting cleanup, with the infield comprising Nathan Hickey at first base, Brendan Rodgers at second, Andruw Monasterio at shortstop, and Nick Sogard at third base.
Following Oviedo, the Red Sox will turn to their bullpen, featuring pitchers Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten, Tyler Uberstine, Jake Bennett, and Tayron Guerrero.
Fans can catch the action on NESN, NESN 360, and WEEI 850 AM. As the Red Sox gear up for the regular season, all eyes will be on Oviedo as he looks to establish himself in a competitive pitching rotation.