With Aaron Cook's opt-out date scheduled for Tuesday, the Red Sox are still contemplating whether to recall the sinkerballer from Triple-A Pawtucket. If so, manager Bobby Valentine could lean on Cook as a spot starter instead of strictly bullpen duties.
"I think that's a factor, that's a consideration," Valentine said. "If needed."
Since the spring, the Red Sox have seen Cook as a starter. But with the emergence of Felix Doubront and Daniel Bard — the latest additions to the rotation — little space is left for Cook to crack the rotation.
Despite a 3-0 record and 1.89 ERA in five starts in Triple-A, Cook could be eyeing the bullpen. If the Red Sox elect to promote Cook, he will earn $1.5 million. But Valentine wouldn't reveal his own plans, saying he had simply convened with Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington.
"We talked again on that," Valentine said. "I'm sure he has all of his ducks in order. Again, I don't know exactly when, why, how, all these deadlines and all that stuff, but everyone's opinion has been shared.”
During his 10-year career in Colorado, Cook made only 32 appearances from the bullpen, amassing a 1-0 record with a 6.60 ERA.
Valentine did confirm that Cook would pitch from the bullpen if promoted from Pawtucket.
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