Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Boston Red Sox ace righty Rick Porcello knows it.
With the team down 0-2 to the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS, Porcello went into the office of Red Sox manager John Farrell on Saturday and informed Farrell that he’s ready to pitch out of the bullpen in Game 3 if necessary.
“Obviously we’re taking it one game at a time. But I just literally walked in there and told him I’m available for whatever he needs me for,” Porcello said, per Tim Britton of the Providence Journal. “It’s going to depend on some things and what happens and where we end up after the next game, but I’m available.”
Porcello started Game 1 for the Red Sox on Thursday but took the loss after giving up five earned runs on six hits and three home runs in 4.1 innings pitched. However, the silver lining of the 27-year-old’s poor outing was that he only threw 72 pitches before being pulled and thus would conceivably be available to come out of the bullpen in Sunday’s Game 3 on three days rest.
The reigning AL wins leader has made six postseason appearances in relief during his career, all for the Detroit Tigers. But the Red Sox may want to save their ace to start Monday’s Game 4. Still, the outspoken Porcello will have to be ready to answer the call should it come in Sunday’s must-win affair, and it sounds like he is.
H/T Rotoworld
