BOSTON — The Red Sox are likely to replace Steven Wright on the roster for Game 2 of the American League Division Series, sources told NBC Sports Boston on Friday night after a nail-biter, 5-4, win for Boston in the series opener that saw scheduled Game 3 starter Rick Porcello pitch in the eighth.
Wright, recovering from major left knee surgery while pitching well, felt the knee bother him prior to Game 1. Game 3 is at Yankee Stadium Monday.
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"Steven Wright before the game he complained about his knee, and he wasn't available today," manager Alex Cora said after Game 1. "Actually, he had an MRI during the night. And we'll know more about it tomorrow."
The results of the MRI were not encouraging for Wright's ability to return this series.
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Heath Hembree and Bobby Poyner were two relievers the Red Sox were considering to make the roster before Wright's injury. They'd likely move to the top of the list for a replacement. If the Sox wanted length, which Wright provided, they could also turn to Hector Velazquez or Brian Johnson.
Wright had a 2.68 ERA in 53 2/3 innings, and a 1.52 ERA in 29 2/3 innings as a reliever.
