Francona Not Worried About Papelbon's Rough Outing
FORT MYERS, Fla. (CBS) - Through his first three outings of the spring, Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon was perfect.
In Friday's game against the Twins, however, he was far from perfect. Papelbon started the fifth inning and was able to get only one out before he was removed.
"It just sounded like he had one of those spring training days: a hit batsmen, a couple walks. It just wasn't a real solid outing," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Jonny Miller spoke with Francona.
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The Sox closer threw only 13 of his 31 pitches for strikes.
"His first three (outings) have been really good so, chock it up to that and move on," said Francona.
Papelbon did not speak with reporters after the game.
Francona joked that the intense Sox-Twins spring training rivalry may have had its effect on the righty.
"Maybe the pressure of the Mayor's Cup got to him," said Francona.
