MESA, Ariz.—Steve Pearce will begin the season on the injured list for the Boston Red Sox.
The 2018 World Series MVP exited an exhibition game last weekend due to discomfort in his left calf. First baseman Sam Travis will likely make the team and take Pearce’s spot on the roster.
Pearce, a right-handed batter, normally platoons with lefty-hitting Mitch Moreland at first.
The Red Sox begin defense of their championship Thursday in Seattle against the Mariners.
Pearce was acquired from Toronto in a trade last June and batted a combined .284 with 11 homers, 42 RBIs and an .