Red Sox relief pitcher Scott Atchison faces heavy competition to make Boston's squad out of spring training, but he's hoping to make the most of his opportunity to return to the major leagues, MLB.com reports.
Atchison, Alan Embree and Joe Nelson are among the relievers in Fort Myers, Fla., competing for a spot in the Red Sox bullpen. After spending the past two seasons with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan, Atchison has embraced the opportunity to get to know his Red Sox teammates.
"They put us over here with our lockers together, so you're getting to know guys," Atchison told MLB.com. "I really didn't know anybody in the clubhouse coming over here, but I've gotten to know them well. We know we're competing against each other. We know what the situation is, but nobody's not talking to anybody because [of that]. We're helping each other out, and everybody wants to do well."
The right-hander, who turns 34 on March 29, was successful overseas, posting a 2.77 ERA in 194 2/3 innings in his two years with the Tigers. However, Atchison has wanted to return to the United States to pitch in the major leagues since he left.
"I always felt, if nothing else, I'd come back and try to play one more time over here," Atchison said. "It worked out that two years was enough [in Japan]. I still feel great, and I still feel I can do this for a while. I just have to keep proving myself and keep doing that."
Terry Francona has not made any final decisions on his bullpen, but he likes what he sees in Atchison.
"He's done a great job," Francona said. "His regular season already started. He's throwing three pitches for strikes. He's got the fastball, cutter, changeup. He throws strikes and gets some outs."
Atchison can solidify his spot in the Red Sox bullpen if he continues to pitch well in spring training.
