Red Sox pitchers ramp up for Opening Day

Coulombe signs one-year deal, Oviedo battles for fifth starter role

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:04pm

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With spring training winding down, the Boston Red Sox are finalizing their pitching staff. Veteran reliever Danny Coulombe has signed a one-year, $1 million contract and is ramping up to be ready for Opening Day. Meanwhile, Johan Oviedo is competing for the fifth starter spot, putting together a promising spring but still needing to improve his command and pitch deeper into games.

Why it matters

The Red Sox bullpen was thin on left-handed options last season, so the addition of Coulombe provides more balance and experience. Oviedo's development is also crucial as the team looks to solidify its starting rotation behind ace Brayan Bello, who is returning from the World Baseball Classic.

The details

Coulombe, 36, posted a 2.30 ERA in 55 appearances for the Twins and Rangers last year. He relies primarily on his cutter and sweeper, helping him neutralize both left-handed and right-handed hitters. Oviedo, 28, has 67 major league starts but is still working to build up his endurance and consistency after returning from Tommy John surgery in 2023. In his latest outing, he struck out five but also walked three and allowed two runs in 3 1/3 innings.

  • Coulombe signed his one-year deal with the Red Sox on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • Oviedo made his latest spring training start on Friday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Danny Coulombe

A 36-year-old left-handed reliever who signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Red Sox. He posted a 2.30 ERA in 55 appearances for the Twins and Rangers in 2025.

Johan Oviedo

A 28-year-old right-handed pitcher competing for the fifth starter spot in the Red Sox rotation. He has 67 major league starts but is still working to build up his endurance and consistency after returning from Tommy John surgery in 2023.

Brayan Bello

The Red Sox's ace pitcher who recently returned to camp after pitching for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, where he allowed just one hit and struck out seven in five dominant innings.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“Good job by the front office trying to add and make us better. He's a guy that had a great season last year. He's able to spin the ball, avoids damage from the left side. Been there, done that.”

— Alex Cora, Manager

“I feel good, I don't want to give a number. But I think that as long as we stay on track, we should be good to go.”

— Danny Coulombe

“The goal was to have a good first inning. I felt a little tired at the end … my body was a little slower and tired, but I feel like we worked on the stuff we wanted and just have to keep working for the next.”

— Johan Oviedo

What’s next

Oviedo will make his next spring training start on Saturday, March 15, 2026 against the Atlanta Braves as he continues to compete for the fifth starter role.

The takeaway

The Red Sox are working to solidify their pitching staff ahead of Opening Day, with veteran reliever Danny Coulombe adding depth to the bullpen and young starter Johan Oviedo battling to earn a spot in the rotation. The team's ability to develop its pitching depth will be crucial to their success in the upcoming season.