BOSTON — Red Sox starter Richard Fitts threw a 40-pitch live batting practice here at Fenway Park on Saturday
The 25-year-old Fitts, who has been on the 15-day injured list with a right pectoral strain since April 13, said “it went really well.”
“I haven’t had pain in about a week or two and just building up from there,” Fitts said.
Manager Alex Cora mentioned Friday that Fitts might make a rehab start “late next week.”
Fitts said he still needs to talk with Cora about the plan but he feels he will be ready for a rehab start next week if that’s what the Red Sox decide.
“One-hundred percent,” Fitts said. “I’m ready to get back and compete. And ready to help the team win as much as I can.”
Fitts pitched well in three starts before landing on the IL. He allowed six runs in 17 innings (3.18 ERA). Opponents batted .226 against him.
The righty’s four-seam fastball, his most used pitch so far, averaged 94.7 mph and hitters went 4-for-20 (.200) against it.
“I’m super eager but I also want to make sure I’m ready whenever I get back,” Fitts said. “I don’t want to rush back and then not help the team win and go out there underperform. So I want to be as ready as I can. I think it’s close, for sure.”
Cora added, “He threw the ball well. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow and then from there we’ll map it out.”
