Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Samaniego (back) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.
A tight back prevented Samaniego from making his Grapefruit League debut over the weekend as planned, but the lefty hasn't been shut down and looks like he could be cleared to pitch in a game in the near future if he feels fine following Tuesday's throwing session. Though he occupies a spot on the Red Sox's 40-man roster, Samaniego doesn't look like a serious threat to join Boston for Opening Day and is expected to begin the season in the bullpen at Triple-A Worcester.
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Red Sox's Tyler Samaniego: Battling back tightness
Rotowire
Samaniego didn't pitch as scheduled in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins due to back tightness, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.
Manager Alex Cora said after the game that Samaniego's injury isn't too serious, and he should be able to get into a game within the next few days. The 27-year-old lefty posted a 3.08 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 26.1 innings with the Pirates' Double-A affiliate last year before being shipped to Boston in the offseason. He will most likely report to Triple-A Worcester to begin the regular season and could be a candidate to debut in the big leagues at some point this year.
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Pirates' Tyler Samaniego: Makes season debut Saturday
Rotowire
Samaniego (shoulder) gave up an earned run on one hit and struck out one over an inning of relief Saturday in Double-A Altoona's 4-2 loss to New Hampshire.
Samaniego exited a March 16 Grapefruit League outing with cramping in his left shoulder, but the issue didn't prevent him from being included on Altoona's Opening Day roster. The reliever finished the past season at Altoona, logging a 3.52 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 23:9 K:BB across 30.2 innings while going 10-for-10 in save chances.
