The Boston Red Sox chose a surprise fourth starter. Felix Doubront gets the four slot, Daniel Bard fifth, and Alfredo Aceves returns to the bullpen. Felix does have a decently high K rate in the minors, and I suspect the Red Sox didn’t want to strip two relievers from the bullpen. Aceves plays an important role as a long reliever who can actually pitch.
Not sure the designations 4th vs 5th mean anything unless Bobby V is planning on skipping the 5th starter early on due to off days, which would seem counterproductive for Bards conversion to starter, IMO.
Of course, the rotation in August is unlikely to be the same as the opening day rotation.
Red Sox have 4 home grown starters for now, first time since 1987. Theo did something right.
pft » Theo did a lot right. Ben has big shoes to fill.