Projo Sports Blog

A year ago, on this same weekend, from at this same ballpark, Julian Tavarez found himself in baseball purgatory.

Thanks to a spring training fistfight with Tampa Bay outfielder Joey Gathright, Tavarez, in his first season with the Red Sox, was set to begin a 10-game suspension.

This year, Tavarez leaves here slotted as the club’s No. 5 starter, an assignment Tavarez calls “a dream come true.’’

“I feel much better,’’ said Tavarez last night after holding the Philadelphia Phillies to one run over 52/3 innings in a 6-5 Red Sox win. “I was embarrassed last year. It was my first year. I was more embarrassed than hurt, or worried about the money. I was embarrassed to face my teammates. I apologized to (manager Terry) Francona so many times. But it’s a lot different for me this year.’’

Instead of beginning the season on the sidelines, Tavarez finds himself in the starting rotation, filling the vacancy created when Jonathan Papelbon went back to the bullpen.

“At the time, I didn’t think it was going to happen,’’ said Tavarez of the transfer. “It was one inning, one inning. The only rumors I heard were about closing. I was very surprised when (Francona) came to be and said I was going to be the fifth starter. I was very excited.’’

Tavarez allowed six hits, struck out two and didn’t walk a batter in his first start against a major-league lineup this spring. His previous starts had come against minor-league opponents.

“He was efficient,’’ said Francona. “He did a good job. As long as he keeps the ball in the strike zone and stays down, he’s going to do that.’’

“I really appreciate that they gave me this job as a starter,’’ said Tavarez. “I’m very happy they’re counting on me.’’

Before last night’s game, the Red Sox had hit just 15 homers all spring, placing them 12th in the American League.

But, as if sensing that the games are about to start counting Monday, the Sox unleashed some power last night, belting four homers.

Manny Ramirez, Dustin Pedroia and J.D. Drew each hit solo shots while Kevin Youkilis added a two-run home run. For Ramirez, it was his first homer of the spring.

The Phils rallied for four runs off Kyle Snyder and Travis Hughes in the ninth, but with the tying run on second and the winning run on first, Hughes fanned Michael Bourne to end it.

--SEAN McADAM

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