FORT MYERS, Fla. — The idea of beginning a season with four regular pitchers unavailable could be anywhere from daunting to devastating for many teams.

But that’s what the Boston Red Sox could be facing.

Three potential starters – left-handers Drew Pomeranz and Eduardo Rodriguez, and knuckleballer Steven Wright – could start on the disabled list.

Closer Craig Kimbrel has been in Boston since Feb. 28, when his 4-month-old daughter, Lydia, born with heart ailments, underwent her second surgery.

Kimbrel has been working out in the Boston area but hasn’t pitched to hitters, and there’s no timetable for his return.

New manager Alex Cora and the organization have been completely supportive, but with Opening Day nearing, they might have to get creative.

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“We’ve got a few things set up for (Kimbrel),” Cora said Monday. “It’s hard for me to tell him he has to be here. There’s ways for him to face quality hitting.”

Perhaps the Red Sox could fly hitters to Boston to fly Kimbrel.

“I don’t know,” Cora said. “We’ll see.”

Carson Smith, Matt Barnes and Joe Kelly are potential closers in Kimbrel’s absence.

Pomeranz, Rodriguez and Wright have all been delayed by injuries. And the Red Sox have been bringing along left-handers Chris Sale and David Price – the top two pitchers in the rotation – slowly in an effort to monitor their workloads and keep them healthy throughout the season.

Rodriguez and Wright, both coming back from knee surgeries, have yet to appear in a game. Pomeranz left his only start of the spring, March 2 against the Cardinals, after one inning with a mild tendon strain.

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“We have to wait and see,” Cora said, on whether Pomeranz could be ready for Opening Day. “I’m not going to push him just to push him.”

Cora is encouraged by Wright’s progress. Wright is scheduled to throw a two-inning bullpen session Wednesday.

“Big day for him,” Cora said. “Two innings of live BP is a big step for him, to face hitters and be on the mound. Kind of like that last hurdle. Sometimes you need that to feel OK physically and mentally.”

The Sox are taking a more cautious approach with Rodriguez.

“Eddie threw two innings today,” Cora said. “That was huge. He’s been amazing in the training room and weight room.”

Sandy Leon hit two home runs as Boston beat Toronto 6-4 at Dunedin, Florida. Blake Swihart also homered and is batting .371 this spring.

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YANKEES: Free-agent infielder Neil Walker agreed to a $4 million, one-year contract, a 75 percent pay cut in a deal that allows New York prospects Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar more time to mature in the minor leagues.

TWINS: The team finalized a $12 million, one-year contract with right-hander Lance Lynn.

ATHLETICS: Oakland landed a new starting catcher, finalizing a $6.5 million, one-year deal with free agent Jonathan Lucroy.

ORIOLES: The team launched a program that will enable kids to attend home games free of charge.

ROCKIES: Colorado finalized a $5 million, one-year deal to bring back outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, a three-time All-Star and a popular leader in the clubhouse.

BREWERS: Milwaukee picked right-hander Chase Anderson to start on Opening Day on March 29 at San Diego.


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