Red Sox knuckleballer Steven Wright will undergo surgery to repair damaged cartilage in his left knee on Monday, the Red Sox have announced. He's expected to miss the rest of the season but be 100 percent in time for next spring training.
Though Wright was an unexpected All-Star last season, the impact on this season is mostly in the depth department. He was 1-3 with an 8.25 ERA through five starts and the Red Sox are hopeful frontline starter David Price can return to the rotation at some point in the next few weeks from elbow discomfort. The lefty is throwing a three-inning simulated game on Thursday.
Until Price is ready to come back, Chris Sale, Rick Porcello, Eduardo Rodriguez and Drew Pomeranz will be joined in the rotation by Kyle Kendrick.
Kendrick, 32, last pitched in the majors in 2015, going 7-13 with a 6.32 ERA for the Rockies. He led the NL in runs allowed and the majors in home runs allowed. So far in Triple-A this season, Kendrick is 1-3 with a 6.00 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. He has 20 strikeouts and five walks in 27 innings, but has allowed seven home runs.
Though Kendrick had a good outing last time out, it appears the Red Sox's five spot in the rotation will remain a problem until Price can return -- if he can return at full strength.
