Roenis Elias will start for Red Sox on Friday

BOSTON — Roenis Elias, strong at times during spring training, will start for the Red Sox Friday night when Boston hosts Seattle at Fenway Park.

The Sox have been using a four-man rotation since moving Clay Buchholz to the bullpen in early June. Elias is 4-3 with a 3.54 ERA in Pawtucket. 

The 27 year-old Cuban has not made a major league start and has appeared in one game this season for the Red Sox, pitching 1.2 innings and surrendering three earned runs on four hits.

“This is as much matchup as the guys available to us," said manager John Farrell. "Roenis’ last four or five starts have been very good. Much more consistent. Felt like it’s time to take a look at him, particularly in this matchup.”

Rick Porcello's start will be pushed back to Saturday to give him an extra day of rest. David Price will pitch the series finale against the Mariners Sunday afternoon.

Cox Media Group