With Opening Day on horizon, roster decisions coming into focus for Red Sox

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The occasion of an off-day on the schedule Tuesday -- the last of the spring -- was a reminder that the start of the regular season is fast approaching for the Red Sox and with it, some important roster decisions that still need to be made.

Some positions (outfield, catching) are set, while others are as of yet undefined. Here are the areas where the Sox still have some choices to make:

STARTING PITCHING:  Actually, this is less about performance and competition and more about health. Three projected starters -- Steven Wright, Eduardo Rodriguez, Drew Pomeranz -- are battling through various injuries and timetables for their returns are nearly impossible to set.

What's clear is that the Sox are intent on not rushing any of the three just to be ready for their first turn.

"I don't want to push anybody to do something because they feel the pressure that they have to be ready the first week or the first 15 days of the season,'' said Alex Cora. "We want these guys to be healthy throughout the season, into the playoffs and all the way to the end. So we've just got to make sure we take it day-by-day with them.''

For the first time since last spring, Wright (knee) faced hitters Wednesday, throwing two innings and 30 pitches in a live batting practice session. Another session will follow in a few days, but it may be a stretch for him to sufficiently build up arm strength before camp breaks.

Rodriguez, who underwent knee surgery last fall, has made good strides in recent weeks and is set to throw two innings of live BP Thursday. Pomeranz (strained flexor tendon) long-tossed Wednesday, with a bullpen set for Friday, followed by some live BP thereafter.

If none of the three is cleared in time, the Red Sox will begin the season with Brian Johnson and Hector Velazquez as their fourth and fifth starters. Johnson has pitched well, and though he's far from overpowering, has shown a good feel, with the ability to mix his pitches and move the ball around. Velazquez, who was shelled in Dunedin against the Blue Jays earlier this week, has been far less impressive.

But Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told the Boston Globe Tuesday that the team is not in the market for additional major league starting pitching depth, believing that the absences will be short-lived.

Utilizing Velazquez early in the season, however, may result in some short-term pain.

UTILITY INFIELDER: The supposition is that Blake Swihart, who is out of options, will make the team as a third catcher and second utility piece, able to help out at first, left field and perhaps even third base.

That leaves three others -- Brock Holt, Deven Marrero and Tzu-Wei Lin -- competing for the other bench spot.

Marrero is out of options and would have to clear waivers to be sent to Pawtucket. He's a valued defender, but as Cora noted Wednesday, needs to make more consistent contact and figure out how to better hit righties (.425 OPS last season).

Holt is more experienced, but questions remain about his effectiveness now that he's battled concussions and their aftereffects in recent years. Lin isn't quite as versatile but is trusted everywhere he's played.

LEFTY RELIEVER: It's not a guarantee that the Sox will definitely start the season with a lefty, though it remains a good possibility.

If Johnson were not temporarily ticketed for the rotation, he would be the odds-on-favorite, since he, too, is out of options and the Sox wouldn't want to risk losing him.

Instead, for now, the battle would seem to be between Robby Scott and Roenis Elias. Scott did a fine job against lefties last season (.128 batting average against), but Cora seems less inclined to carry a lefty specialist, per see. What's more, Scott, who underwent surgery to clean up some bone chips in his left elbow, has had some difficulty commanding his slider this spring.

Elias has been the picture of under-performance since coming to the Red Sox, so it's easy to forget that he actually pitched well in two seasons for Seattle (3.97 ERA in 51 games). Moreover, Cora mentioned an improved work ethic this spring, so he can't be ruled out.

Bobby Poyner has opened eyes, but since he hasn't pitched above Double A, would seem a longshot.