FORT MYERS — Steven Wright knows how to cool the concerns coming from the Red Sox starting rotation.
He rarely throws heat.
Wright’s knuckleball did some work on Thursday against a Pirates lineup that included promising young outfielder Gregory Polanco and former All-Stars Starling Marte and David Freese. He allowed just two hits without a run in 4-1/3 innings.
They’re the only two hits Wright has allowed in 9-1/3 innings across three Grapefruit League starts.
“Feels good,” said Wright, who is expected to start the year in the Red Sox’ rotation. “Obviously working with (Tim Wakefield) has helped me tremendously in trying to stay back and concentrate on changing speeds and getting the knuckleball to come out of the same spot every time.