Bold opening: Sonny Gray’s spring debut is finally here, and it promises to be a telling moment for the Red Sox rotation and their early-season plans. And this is the part most people miss: his veteran presence could quietly anchor Boston’s pitching staff as the youngsters prove their mettle in real game action.
The Red Sox are loosening up their spring routine this week with Gray stepping into game action for the first time after staying on a slow, veteran-centric buildup. Acquired from the Cardinals in the offseason trade that brought him to Boston, the 36-year-old right-hander will start Saturday against the Twins at JetBlue Park. He hasn’t battled injuries or nagging illnesses—he simply prefers a measured ramp, taking extra time to settle in before joining the public scrimmages.
Manager Alex Cora joked about Gray’s workload, noting that the team has used a quiet “veteran program” approach with several players in recent seasons. Gray fits that mold: he likes pitching on the big league mound but isn’t averse to continuing on the back fields if that’s what he needs to prepare. The plan is for him to log meaningful innings and be ready for the grind of the regular season.
On the field, Gray is expected to anchor Boston’s rotation alongside Garrett Crochet and Ranger Suárez, with Brayan Bello slotting in as another key piece. Last season in St. Louis, Gray went 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA over 32 starts, a track record that Boston hopes will provide stability as they navigate a busy year. It’s highly likely he’ll be part of the opening series of the regular season against one of his former clubs, the Reds, giving him a familiar foe right out of the gate.
Offensively, the club is giving some of its regulars action against Minnesota. Roman Anthony and Ceddanne Rafaela will look to contribute from the outfield, though both were briefly shaken by a Friday outfield collision. Caleb Durbin figures to see time at third base, while Marcelo Mayer gets a day off after homering in Friday’s spring debut. The lineup also features Jarren Duran at designated hitter, Willson Contreras at first, Trevor Story at short, and Nate Eaton patrolling right field, with Nick Sogard at second and Carlos Narváez catching.
In the pitching queue, Garrett Whitlock follows Gray, with left-hander Connelly Early set for a multi-inning appearance in the later stages of the game. The probable pitching matchup lists Taj Bradley for the Twins against Gray, a contrast that should provide valuable early-season evaluation for both clubs.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on NESN360, WHDH, WWAX, MeTV Portland, and WYCI, with radio coverage on WEEI 93.7 FM.
Red Sox lineup:
- LF Roman Anthony
- SS Trevor Story
- DH Jarren Duran
- 1B Willson Contreras
- 3B Caleb Durbin
- CF Ceddanne Rafaela
- C Carlos Narváez
- RF Nate Eaton
- 2B Nick Sogard
Red Sox pitchers:
- Sonny Gray, Garrett Whitlock, Connelly Early, TJ Sikkema, Vinny Nittoli, Noah Song, Jacob Webb
For broader context, coverage continues to note ongoing roster battles, such as two rehabbing starters taking steps forward and a standout 2B candidate who may miss time. Look for continued updates as the spring unfolds and Boston weighs its options ahead of the regular season.
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