BOSTON — The Red Sox’s starting rotation should get a boost on Tuesday with right-hander Walker Buehler expected to come off the 15-day injured list to face the New York Mets at Fenway Park.
Before the Red Sox took the field against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, Buehler threw 62 pitches over three innings in live batting practice. He figures he’ll be able to throw 85-90 pitches in his return.
“I don’t think I’m going to go 110,” he said in the clubhouse before the game.
The 30-year-old Buehler was placed on the IL on May 2 with right shoulder inflammation. Buehler had won each of his last three starts and allowed no more than three runs in four consecutive outings.
“I don’t think if it was late in the year that we would necessarily have done the exact same things,” Buehler admitted. “But just too early in the year to kind of try and push it. We’re all good now.”
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Buehler is 4-1 with a 4.28 ERA in his six starts since signing a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Red Sox this offseason.
Richard Fitts is a step or two behind Buehler, but also threw 40 pitches in a two-inning simulated game on Saturday to Romy Gonzalez, David Hamilton and Connor Wong.
“He threw the ball well,” manager Alex Cora said. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow, and then from there, we’ll map it out.”
The right-hander has been on the injured list since April 13 after straining a pectoral muscle during a game against the Chicago White Sox.
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Cora also provided an update on Gonzalez, who suffered a quad injury in the May 7 win over the Texas Rangers after a collision at first base.
“The thing with Romy right now, it bothers him when he slows down,” Cora explained. “He can go into a sprint, but when he slows down, it bothers him, his legs.
“(He took) live (batting practice) today. He feels like swing-wise, he’s in a good spot. I don’t know if it’s tomorrow, but it should be soon. I truly believe that.”
Cora confirmed Gonzalez would not have to go down to Triple-A for a rehab assignment. When he’s ready to go, it will be for Boston.
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