Red Sox trade rumors: Boston searching for starting pitching depth

The Red Sox are on the lookout for starting pitching depth, manager John Farrell told Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald.

Farrell emphasized that the club was looking for depth even before injuries to lefties David Price and Drew Pomeranz, though it makes sense for president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to intensify his efforts at this point. Price is not expected to be ready for Opening Day due to arm trouble, while Pomeranz was pulled from a recent start while recovering from a triceps injury.

Boston heads toward the season with a group of Chris Sale, Rick Porcello, Eduardo Rodriguez, Steven Wright and newcomer Kyle Kendrick alongside Price and Pomeranz, with Kendrick tentatively slated to make the Opening Day roster due to Price’s injury. Other options could include Roenis Elias, Henry Owens, Brian Johnson or even converted reliever Joe Kelly.

If the Red Sox turn to the free-agent market, there are still a few starters available. Veterans Doug Fister, Colby Lewis and Tim Lincecum and ex-Red Sox Jake Peavy and Justin Masterson are among the remaining available options still unsigned at this late juncture.