Ross

Ohlendorf

Ohlendorf has now been lousy in all four of his starts since rejoining the Bucs rotation on August 23, posting an 8.44 ERA, 2.36 WHIP and 11/5 K/BB ratio in 16 innings. He’s almost certainly pitching his way out of the Pirates’ 2012 plans.

Ohlendorf missed a majority of the 2011 season because of a shoulder injury and posted a hideous 8.15 ERA in the eight starts that he was healthy enough to make. The 29-year-old won’t be much of a free agent prize.

Ohlendorf is slightly behind some of the other pitchers in camp because of back tightness, but he has thrown three mound sessions. The 29-year-old was limited to eight starts last season due to shoulder problems and is a long shot to make the major league rotation.

Ohlendorf is more of a project for the Red Sox than someone the team is counting on for Opening Day. He’ll likely start off in Triple-A while the organization sorts through some of its other pitchers.

Ohlendorf got a late start this spring and was never a legitimate threat for one of the final two rotation spots. He’ll serve as starting pitching depth with Triple-A Pawtucket.

Ohlendorf has been bothered by shoulder injuries over the past two seasons, so the Red Sox are just playing it safe. The 29-year-old righty signed a minor league deal with the club last week and has an outside chance of winning a rotation spot.

Ohlendorf has fallen behind the other pitchers in camp due to a back sore back and concern over his past shoulder issues. He threw batting practice Thursday and hopes to pitch in a game early next week, but he may have to begin the season with Triple-A Pawtucket.

Ohlendorf is slightly behind the other pitchers in Red Sox camp because of back tightness, not anything having to do with his previous shoulder injuries. He developed the back discomfort while traveling to spring training and should get over it within the next couple of days.

He’s considered only a few days behind the other pitchers, so, barring a setback, it doesn’t sound like a big deal. Ohlendorf, who missed most of last season with shoulder issues, will try to win an Opening Day roster spot but might have to begin the year at Triple-A.

The Red Sox have brought Ohlendorf along slowly this spring due to a sore back and his past shoulder issues, but he’s itching to get back into game action. “Everything feels fine now,” said Ohlendorf. “My shoulder feels normal.” The 29-year-old is a long shot to start the season in the rotation, but could be an option at some point during the season if he sticks around in the minors.