CHICAGO -- Making his fifth start of the Pawtucket Red Sox, Aaron Cook allowed three runs on five hits over 6 1/3 innings against the Columbus Clippers in Columbus, Ohio Saturday, striking out five and walking two. Cook, whose ERA stands at 1.89, threw 96 pitches (60 strikes).
According to one scout in attendance, Cook's fastball topped out at 91 mph, with the righty not displaying the kind of command he had possessed in previous starts. Of his 11 outs put in play, six were on flyouts with five coming on groundouts. It was the first time the sinkerballer has allowed more flyouts than groundouts this season.
It was likely the final start for Cook before his May 1 opt-out date, which will be when the pitcher can escape his current contract if he isn't promoted to the 25-man major league roster. If not brought up, the player has 24 hours from the start of the opt-out date to determine his course of action, with the team then getting 48 hours to make its move once it hears from the pitcher.
Earlier Saturday, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine revealed the organization has discussed promoting the 33-year-old Cook as a reliever.
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