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October 13, 2007
By STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Early this season, Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon was having difficulty adjusting to inactivity.
Terry Francona was being careful with the right-hander's use, anyway, and there were several stretches over the first few months when save opportunities were scarce.
Papelbon was uncomfortable in the bullpen, not knowing how much throwing he needed to do to stay sharp while making sure he didn't tire himself out throwing bullpen sessions in an attempt to keep his command.
But as the season went along, Francona said, Papelbon made the adjustment, so he's not worried about his ace closer's recent inactivity. Papelbon threw 1 1/3 innings last Friday in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Angels and hasn't appeared since, with the exception of a one-inning simulated-game workout last Tuesday.
It's likely, though, that, with Sunday off, Papelbon may be called on to pitch Saturday night even if a save opportunity is not on the line.
''I'm not worried about him," said Francona of Papelbon, who racked up 37 in 40 chances. ""He's been up (in the bullpen) at least every game (in the postseason) and if there's a gray area he'll throw tonight. But he's got a pretty good grip now on the touch and feel part of it, figuring out how much work to do and what to do when he doesn't pitch (for a while)."
Posted by Steven Krasner 
at 5:53 PM | Permalink
