Boston Red Sox: Rick Porcello wants explanation from Steven Wright
By David Hill
News of Steven Wright’s suspension for PED usage has not gone over well in the Boston Red Sox clubhouse, particularly with Rick Porcello.
Over the years, Boston Red Sox pitcher Rick Porcello has been a vocal critic of those who utilize PEDs to gain a competitive advantage. He has called for harsher penalties for those who are caught cheating, saying that he is in favor of a lifetime ban after a first failed test. Obviously, after watching Jenrry Mejia fail three tests in a year, Porcello felt quite a bit of anger and annoyance.
However, Porcello finds himself in a different situation than he was back then. Mejia, whose lifetime ban was rescinded by MLB, signed with the Red Sox on a minor league deal. And then, teammate Steven Wright was suspended for 80 games for PED use, the second consecutive year that the knuckleballer has faced discipline from the league.
If anyone would think that being teammates with someone who has been suspended for PEDs would change Procello’s mind, they would be wrong. Instead, he feels that Wright owes the clubhouse an explanation, one that has not yet been forthcoming.
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At this point, it is yet another strike against Wright. He was solid last season when he was able to get on the mound, posting a 2.68 ERA and a 1.248 WHiP, striking out 42 batters in his 53.2 innings. However, at this point, one has to wonder if the Red Sox can trust him to stay out of trouble enough to help the franchise.
That also extends to the locker room. Porcello is one of the players that the Red Sox are counting on as they attempt to repeat as World Series champions, a leader in the clubhouse and key part of the rotation. Given his actions, Wright has already lost Porcello, and may find the rest of the locker room giving him a cold shoulder.
Obviously, there is a great deal of time for things to change. Wright could finally address the Red Sox players, giving that explanation that Porcello is demanding. Likewise, he can attempt to show that Boston, and his teammates, can count on him to be a productive part of the roster and stay out of trouble. However, he has an uphill climb ahead of him.
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Rick Porcello wants answers from Steven Wright about his PED suspension. The Boston Red Sox clubhouse will be waiting to hear from him.