CHICAGO -- Nick Pivetta will start for the Red Sox in Sunday’s series finale against the White Sox, manager Alex Cora said Saturday. Pivetta tested positive for COVID-19 early last week but has been cleared by Major League Baseball and will be activated before Sunday’s game.
Because Pivetta is vaccinated against COVID-19, he was eligible -- as long as he remained asymptomatic -- to resume action before he reached the usual 10-day minimum for players on the COVID-19 IL. The righty played catch in the outfield before Saturday’s game.
Pivetta last pitched Aug. 30, so Sunday’s start will come on 11 days rest. Cora thinks the extended layoff could benefit Pivetta, who was scratched from his scheduled start Sunday due to COVID-19-related matters.
“We’re confident,” Cora said. “Some of these guys are going to benefit from — if you see it the positive way, you never want any of these guys to get COVID — but maybe it’s going to benefit him. Reset, finish strong and help us get into October.”
Pivetta owns a 9-7 record and 4.67 ERA in 26 starts for the Red Sox this season.
Barnes, Pérez joining WooSox
Sox relievers Matt Barnes and Martín Pérez will both make rehab appearances for the WooSox at Polar Park on Sunday, Cora said. Pérez threw a bullpen in Worcester on Friday; Barnes traveled back from Chicago to Massachusetts on Saturday.
Barnes last pitched Aug. 29 and tested positive for COVID-19 a day later. He threw a bullpen at Guaranteed Rate Field on Friday; Cora believes Barnes will need two rehab appearances in Worcester and could rejoin the Red Sox next weekend at home when they welcome the Orioles to to town.
“He threw a bullpen and we felt like he needs to go face some hitters,” Cora said. “It’s the best for him, and obviously the best for the team.”
Pérez, who also tested positive on Aug. 30, might just need one outing in Worcester, Cora said. The Red Sox could activate Pérez early next week for their series in Seattle because he matches up well with some of the Mariners’ dangerous lefties.
Sawamura not yet cleared
Reliever Hirokazu Sawamura (tested positive Aug. 31) worked out for the second straight day Saturday in Chicago but has still not been activated. Sawamura threw a bullpen Friday and could return soon.
“There’s a few things we need to make sure we get clear medically,” Cora said. “Nothing to be alarmed of, but part of the process.”
Other COVID-19 updates
* Second baseman Christian Arroyo is out of quarantine and going through a series of doctor’s appointments before being cleared. Arroyo had serious symptoms after testing positive.
“There’s a few things still with him with the way he felt without,” Cora said. “We have to make sure he’s okay.”
* Outfielder Jarren Duran, who tested positive last Friday, is nearing the end of his 10-day quarantine period and feeling better.
“We’ll decide what we do with him in the upcoming days,” Cora said.
* Infielder Yairo Muñoz returned to Boston after ending his quarantine period. Cora said the plan is for him to rejoin the WooSox when he is cleared.
* Infielder Jonathan Araúz is still testing negative, Cora said. Araúz was placed on the COVID-19 IL on Friday after experiencing symptoms.
* Lefty Chris Sale and infielder/outfielder Danny Santana each tested positive over the last two days and are at the beginning of their quarantine periods. Currently, the Red Sox have 10 players on the COVID-19 IL.
Related links:
Ad Choices