BOSTONRight-hander Aaron Cook, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list after being spiked just below his left knee in his only start this season, is progressing.
Cook went on the DL on May 6, a day after going just 2 23 innings in a loss to the Orioles. Attempting to cover the plate on a passed ball by Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Cooks knee came down on Chris Davis spike, opening a gash that required 11 stitches.
Manager Bobby Valentine said before Mondays series opener with the Mariners, Cook is pretty good.
Hes thrown. He still has the stitches in there but hes kept his arm in good shape,. And were trying to simulate some throwing so he throws and sits down, throws and sits down. So when it is time for him to pitch again he doesnt have to start from the 2-inning stint. He might be able to throw five innings, have his arm built up to that 70-pitch, or 75-pitch barrier.
Valentine was unsure if Cook would need a rehab start at this point.
Jacoby Ellsbury was transferred to the 60-day DL on Sunday to make room on the 40-man roster for first baseman Mauro Gomez, who made his major league debut.
Ellsbury was initially placed on the DL on April 14 with a right shoulder subluxation. He would be eligible to be activated June 12.
Boston Red Sox
He just looked good in the weight room, Valentine said. He looks good in the training room. Now I havent see him on that field of dreams out there where its all green and he looks so natural but he hasnt had any setbacks. He has almost full range of motion, his strength is building, so its all good. His agility and his cardio, he's worked really hard on those things, and his legs.
I dont have a best case for you. Being on the 60-day disabled list we can start counting days for the best case, but its going to be after that.