Left-handers Ranger Suarez (groin) and Connelly Early (elbow) continue to progress toward returning to the Red Sox rotation.
Early, 24, threw out to 90 feet Saturday, and had what Tracy described as “another good day … another productive day.”
“Felt good and wasn’t feeling much (discomfort), which is great,” Tracy said pregame. “Obviously he’s a little behind Ranger, so we’ll figure out when he gets back on a mound.”
Early “definitely will” need to throw at least one bullpen, as he last pitched in a big-league game June 30, Tracy said.
Suarez, 30, last pitched July 5 and could be activated as soon as Tuesday, though the Red Sox haven’t decided if they will push his return back to after Thursday’s off-day to give him additional rest.
“We may want to get him to touch the mound, but he only went three or four days, I think combined, without throwing a ball,” Tracy said of Suarez. “So not as concerned about workload or throws with Ranger as we are Connelly. It’s more about Ranger’s groin, and making sure that we’re comfortable with the day we pick, that the groin is in a good spot. So we’re waiting on that.”
Early, who debuted last Sept. 9, owns a 3.44 ERA through 17 starts, with 93 strikeouts across 91 2/3 innings this season.
Suarez earned his second career All-Star selection by pitching to a 3.15 ERA in 17 starts, with 97 strikeouts across 91 1/3 innings. He was unable to participate in the Midsummer Classic though, as he sustained the injury in his final start before the break, one day after he learned of his selection.