Red Sox Could Have Two Important Pitchers Ready For Opening Day After Injury Scares

The Boston Red Sox may have two of their most important pitchers ready for Opening Day after all.

Opening Day is a week away and yet the Red Sox already have been bitten by the injury bug. Boston lost its top free-agent addition in Lucas Giolito for the 2024 season and has dealt with a plethora of other ailments.

Two other important Boston hurlers have been dealing with injuries of their own, but the club did get a positive update Thursday as Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin are both set to return to the mound, according to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier.

"Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin are pitching in tonight’s Red Sox game," Speier said.

Jansen was slow to begin his Spring Training build-up due to lat soreness but also has been dealing with back tightness, as well. There have been rumblings that he could miss Opening Day, but the fact that he's returning to the mound Thursday could be a sign he will be ready. If all goes well Thursday and he stays healthy over the next week, Opening Day is a possibility.

Martin has been dealing with a groin injury and hasn't appeared in a Grapefruit League game yet in Spring Training, but it's a very positive sign that he also will be back on the mound Thursday.

Jansen and Martin arguably are the Red Sox's two most important relief pitchers and if they are healthy give the club a completely different dynamic. Boston's starting rotation is a weak spot, but the club's offense should be solid and the bullpen is strong with Jansen and Martin in it. 

Hopefully, they can fully get back on track and be ready for Opening Day.