Red Sox updates: Sonny Gray slated to return Wednesday; what’s new on Ranger Suárez?

Bennett (in his major league debut) pitched before Early last weekend but it’s possible the Red Sox could flip-flop the two young lefties so that Early pitches Thursday on regular rest and Bennett has a full week between outings like he did in Triple-A. The Red Sox chose not to option Bennett back to the minors in the immediate aftermath of his debut Friday night — and that decision has paid off.

“With the things that have happened, obviously, having our pitching depth here and guys lined up, that’s a good thing for us to at least carry on right now until we have to make a decision on that one,” Tracy said.

The biggest question in the rotation mix remains Suárez, who stayed back in Boston instead of traveling to Detroit for a quick three-game road trip. The Red Sox have avoided putting the lefty on the IL so far and if all goes well, he could be in line to pitch on an extra day of rest Saturday at Fenway. Bello, who followed opener Jovani Morán on Tuesday, would also be available to pitch Saturday if need be.

“Things are progressing,” Tracy said about Suárez. “I think we’re still optimistic. Because of where we’re at and when he pitches, there’s no need for us to have to make a decision on that. We’ll just keep seeing how he progresses over the next couple days before we decide.”

The Red Sox will continue cobbling their rotation together without ace Garrett Crochet, who remains on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. Crochet is in Detroit continuing to build up strength in his shoulder and the Sox are still hopeful his absence won’t be a long one.

“We actually have some moderate throwing program going on,” Tracy said. “Nothing over the top, but he has resumed some throwing.

“Nothing imminent here. We’re just going to progress his throwing as tolerated, take him day-to-day and keep seeing how he responds day-to-day before increasing intensity. He has been throwing a baseball over the last couple of days.”

More Red Sox coverage

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• Red Sox’ Brayan Bello: ‘For me, the season starts today’
• How top Red Sox prospect’s fastball has become ‘something amazing’
• Fenway Insider: Submit questions for MassLive’s Sean McAdam
• Red Sox say Framber Valdez intentionally hit Trevor Story with pitch: ‘It was weak,’ says Chad Tracy

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