FORT MYERS — The Red Sox never signed or traded for an established reliever this offseason. That’s how much faith they had in their returning crew.
With two weeks left before the season starts, their hopes are being realized. The Sox bullpen is in good shape.
Carson Smith is healthy and a strong candidate for set-up and backup closer duties, and Tyler Thornburg also is progressing. Manager Alex Cora was asked before yesterday’s 2-1 victory against the Twins if the organization ever discussed seriously trading for or signing relief help.
“The organization was comfortable with the bullpen we had,” Cora said.