March 9 Notes: Another Bogaerts Injury Update; Pivetta Continues Bid for Fifth Starter

The Boston Red Sox fell to the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday afternoon, but the big story coming from this game was Nick Pivetta‘s performance. Pivetta is vying for the fifth and final spot in the starting rotation and Boston hopes to see more of what they did from him on Tuesday.

Pivetta pitched three innings, giving up just one earned run on a Yandy Diaz RBI single and striking out three batters in his second start of the spring. The former Philadelphia Phillie is competing with Tanner Houck, who made his big league debut last season and impressed.

The other news of note from red Sox camp is the status of star shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who is dealing with a shoulder issue. The Red Sox are obviously not going to rush him back but it was reported on Tuesday that he will be taking batting practice on Wednesday and is feeling well. “I think I’ll be ready for Opening Day barring any weird injuries that may come up. You never know. But as of now, I’ll be ready for Opening Day. My shoulder feels pretty close to 100%. It’s just about trying to get that strength back in it,” Bogaerts told WEEI.

Infielders Christian Arroyo and Jonathan Arauz have been getting reps at shortstop in place of Bogaerts, but it doesn’t look like they will get as much playing time there if Bogaerts’ shoulder continues to heal.

(Photo: Jeff Chiu/AP)