For a split second, it looked like the Red Sox might be without Rick Porcello for the start of the regular season later this week in Seattle. But that’s all it was — a split second.
In the second inning of the Red Sox’ exhibition matchup against the Cubs on Monday night, the Boston righthander was struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of Chicago catcher Willson Contreras, but was immediately able to jump back to his feet, even have a laugh while being checked by the team’s training staff.
It was a scare for both Porcello and the Red Sox, but the former Cy Young winner played it off pretty well.