Two MLB clubs that expect to make a splash in the American League next season are already taking a hit to their starting rotations. The Boston Red Sox will have Eduardo Rodriguez start the year off on the disabled list and the same goes for Lance McCullers of the Houston Astros.
Rodriguez, who suffered a dislocated kneecap earlier in spring training, has not been able to get back on the mound in a timely manner. He's expected to throw off the mound today (Wednesday) for the first time since Feb. 29, which drastically affects his timetable for Opening Day.
It's been said he'll need at least three bullpen sessions and six starts before making his 2016 debut, and with just about two weeks remaining in spring training, that's clearly not enough time for him to build up his arm strength and log the amount of innings the Red Sox prefer him to.
It's better Boston takes its time with the left-hander, who went 10-6 with a 3.85 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 98 strikeouts in 21 starts (121-2/3 innings) during his rookie season last year, because they'll need him for the long haul behind ace David Price.
As a result, Rodriguez will likely start 2016 on the DL as he works to get ready for MLB action.
Similarly, McCullers, who was a sensation for the Astros in 2015, will also be sidelined to start the year thanks to a sore right shoulder. The right-hander went 6-7 with a 3.22 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 129 strikeouts in 22 starts (125-2/3 innings) during his rookie season and helped the Astros secure their first postseason berth since 2005.
The 22-year-old was experiencing shoulder soreness after tossing live batting practice on March 6 and was shut down. He has yet to make a start this spring. Manager A.J. Hinch said the youngster won't be active on Opening Day because "there's just not going to be enough time to build him up for the role in which we anticipate him doing that."
McCullers was expected to be among the mainstays in the rotation as the Astros were hoping to work to stretch out his workload. He logged a career-high in innings pitched last year with 164 (between MLB and minors) and the team was anticipating he'd be able to exceed that in 2016.
The good news for both the Red Sox and Astros is that they have ample pitching depth to cope with these losses. Boston has Steven Wirght, Henry Owns and Roenis Elias while Houston has Doug Fister, Mike Fiers and Brad Peacock.
However, both clubs would rather not have to cope for too long.
