BOSTON — Hours before Tuesday’s game, Zach Stewart wanted to shake off the rust.
With his second start for the Red Sox — his first since Aug. 29 — scheduled for Sunday, Stewart is aiming to regain his stamina. The 25-year-old hasn’t pitched in a game since early September.
The layoff, which stems from the end of the Pawtucket Red Sox season, could have come at the right time. Stewart needed to recharge his batteries after allowing 10 hits and nine runs through three innings in his Red Sox debut.
Shortly after Stewart tossed three innings of a simulated game, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine came away pleased with the performance.
“He’s been throwing bullpens, so he threw today to some hitters … felt good, looked good, looked really good,” Valentine said. “I didn’t want [his last start] to be the only taste of pitching at Fenway, or pitching for the Red Sox.”
His lone start took place on the road against the Angels. He’ll be motivated next time he takes the mound to validate his status as the main piece that came from the Kevin Youkilis trade in June.
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