BOSTON — Right-hander Kyle Weiland will start for the Red Sox on Sunday in place of the injured Jon Lester, manager Terry Francona announced Friday afternoon.
Weiland will be making his major league debut against the Baltimore Orioles after a very solid first half with Triple-A Pawtucket. After a win Monday at Rochester, the 24-year-old sat at 8-6 with a 3.00 ERA.
Francona lamented the fact that the team had to make the move in the first place, but is looking forward to seeing what Weiland can accomplish.
"As much as we've kind of gone wrong with some health, this is the flip side where it's really exciting," Francona said.
Weiland was in the big league camp for a portion of spring training. He struggled in those relatively meaningless games, sporting a 10.13 ERA in three appearances, but was able to assimilate with the established big leaguers. That can only help when he steps into the spotlight Sunday.
"He came to camp this spring, which is good. Now, when it's time for him to pitch, he won't be introducing himself to everybody," Francona added. "I'm sure he’ll have butterflies and be nervous, but our guys know who he is, our catchers have caught him."
When either Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Jason Varitek catches Weiland on Sunday, they will see an arsenal that has enabled the righty to strike out 99 batters in just 93 innings. That's the second-highest strikeout rate among regular starters in the International League. Opponents are hitting just .206 off Weiland, who has made the leap in large part due to the use of an effective cutter.
The spot opened up when Lester suffered a strained lat muscle on his left side on Tuesday against Toronto. Lester was placed on the 15-day disabled list the following day.
Francona said he gave consideration for Alfredo Aceves to make the start but valued what Aceves provides in the bullpen too much. Also, Weiland was in line to start Sunday and has earned the chance.
