FORT MYERS, Fla. -- On a day when the Red Sox trimmed seven players from their big league camp while identifying five pitchers (Alfredo Aceves, Matt Albers, Felix Doubront, Hideki Okajima and Dennys Reyes) whose season-opening fates are uncertain, one pitcher's role was not in question. Right-hander Tim Wakefield was not among the pitchers listed as being in limbo by Terry Francona. Instead, the Red Sox manager discussed how he would best be able to utilize the knuckleballer as part of his bullpen.
Wakefield will remain a primary starting depth option if a member of the Red Sox rotation falters. But when Wakefield is not in the rotation, Francona suggested that he needs to "use (Wakefield), because he can get people out."
"You know, Wake's done everything. Probably the hardest thing is for me to try to figure out how to use him and get the most out of him," said Francona. "The starting part is easy. He gives us that unique ability where he can come in on a day and pitch and probably pitch pretty well and not screw up the rotation and the bullpen. But trying to figure out how to use him in the bullpen when things are going good is a little tricky, just cause there's always that chance of a passed ball or stolen base. So, we've got to figure that out. But there's a definite way he can help us. I've got to remind myself sometimes of not getting pigeon-holed so we get the most out of him."
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