After reviving his career with a stellar Spring Training, center fielder Grady Sizemore has made the Boston Red Sox’ Opening Day roster. Manager John Farrell also named ace pitcher Jon Lester the team’s starter when the season begins.
It wasn’t too much of a surprise that Sizemore made the team. He hasn’t played a single game in the major leagues since 2011 due to several injuries, but the Red Sox gave him a chance and he took it. He hit .333 in 12 Spring Training games, notes Boston.com.
“To Grady's credit, he has answered the questions, with his play and he has responded physically,” Farrell told ESPN.
This means that Jackie Bradley Jr., who made the Opening Day roster last season, will start his 2014 campaign in Triple-A Pawtucket.
Farrell also told ESPN that Lester will definitely be the Sox starter when the season starts in Baltimore against the Orioles on Monday.
“Oh yes," Farrell told the site. "Jon Lester is starting. And the world is round. So he starts Monday.”
Lester had a 15-8 record and a 3.75 ERA. He also had a great postseason, winning both of his starts during the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.