Decisions will be needed in Red Sox bullpen

Red Sox pitcher Tyler Thornburg was acquired to pitch in the eighth inning but he may not be ready to start the season. Barry Chin / Boston Globe

By The Boston Globe

March 22, 2017

1 minute to read

TAMPA — The Red Sox envisioned their bullpen as a strongpoint, a group so deep that some worthy relievers would have to start the season with Triple A Pawtucket.

But as the season approaches, there is almost as much uncertainty in the bullpen as there is with the rotation.

Tyler Thornburg, obtained to pitch in the eighth inning, may not be ready for the season. Fernando Abad, who lost a salary arbitration hearing in January, could now lose his job as he faces competition from two other lefthanders.

It leaves the Sox with some decisions to make before the end of spring training and a juggling of roles.

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