Projo Sox Blog

BY KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- After seeing Dan Wheeler pitch 3 1/3 innings in Game Two, his longest relief stint since 2004, the Rays were treading lightly as to his availability for Game Three.

Manager Joe Maddon said before the game that he would see how Wheeler felt after playing catch in batting practice before he knew for sure if the Warwick native would be cleared to pitch today.

"That's a lot of pitches in a lot of innings, although he had plenty of rest coming into that," said Maddon. "It's something he has not done so you always have to look at the fact that it's unusual for him to do those kind of things.''

Maddon said he's always leery about sending relievers back out after extensive work without two full days of rest, if possible. Obviously the playoff schedule, and Wheeler's desire to return to the action, could cause a change in that thinking.

"My personal history, when guys throw 30- or 40-plus pitches, you normally like to give them two days off as opposed to one," said Maddon, "but knowing Danny, I really have to wait and see because I don't want to make this decision well in advance of talking to him.''

 Tags  Dan Wheeler Red Sox

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