Red Sox Journal: World Series MVP Pearce ready to go

OAKLAND — Chris Sale raised both arms like a quarterback who had just thrown a touchdown pass.

Steve Pearce tends to trigger that sort of reaction in the Red Sox clubhouse, especially from his fellow Lakeland Senior High School (Fla.) alumnus. The amiable first baseman joined the team at Oakland Coliseum ahead of what is almost certain to be an activation off the injured list prior to Thursday’s series finale against the Athletics. [...]

OAKLAND — Chris Sale raised both arms like a quarterback who had just thrown a touchdown pass.

Steve Pearce tends to trigger that sort of reaction in the Red Sox clubhouse, especially from his fellow Lakeland Senior High School (Fla.) alumnus. The amiable first baseman joined the team at Oakland Coliseum ahead of what is almost certain to be an activation off the injured list prior to Thursday’s series finale against the Athletics.

Pearce (left calf strain) played seven innings at extended spring training in Fort Myers on Tuesday before making the cross-country flight and going through a full pregame workout. The reigning World Series Most Valuable Player would slot in against Oakland left-hander Brett Anderson, reprising the role that prompted Boston to trade for Pearce prior to last year’s July 31 deadline.

“Everybody knows that he hits lefties, but at the same time he’s a good at-bat against righties,” manager Alex Cora said. “It’s good to have him back. He’ll start giving us a little bit more balance and do the things he did when we got him last year.”

Pearce mashed three home runs against the Dodgers over the final two nights of last season, helping the Red Sox to their latest championship in just five games. He slashed .279/.394/.507 in 50 games with Boston and boasts a career line of .266/.352/.500 against southpaws. Pearce is likely to mix in at first base with Mitch Moreland, giving the Red Sox a true platoon option should they choose to employ it.

“When we got Pearce it gave us options,” Cora said. “It’s great to have him around.”

In other injury news, Dustin Pedroia (left knee) has reported to Class A Greenville and will begin his rehab assignment on Thursday night. The Drive open their season at home in South Carolina, helping ease Pedroia’s transition to live action in warm weather similar to Fort Myers. Pedroia is scheduled to play nine innings both Thursday and Friday before enjoying an off day on Saturday.

Day of rest

Xander Bogaerts received his first day off of the season on Wednesday.

Cora insisted it was a scheduled absence, but Bogaerts likely welcomed a day of rest after fouling a ball off his left ankle in the ninth inning on Tuesday in a 1-0 defeat. Bogaerts got on top of a sinker from Athletics’ closer Blake Treinen and slammed it down off the inside of his leg.

“It’s a little sore,” Bogaerts said late Tuesday night, an ice pack wrapped around his lower leg. “We’ll see how it is tomorrow.”

Bogaerts ripped a double to right center two pitches later and was thrown out trying to stretch for third base. Boston suffered a second straight shutout for the first time in four years, and those previous 18 scoreless innings came in the midst of an eight-game losing streak.

“I didn’t feel it at all running,” Bogaerts said. “I think the adrenalin and the will and want to do something for your team – we needed some type of energy.”

Pitch perfect

Aaron Brooks and Mike Fiers each fired six scoreless innings at the Red Sox to open the series, continuing a dominant run by Oakland’s starting pitching.

The Athletics’ rotation entered Wednesday having allowed just one earned run over their previous six games. Opponents were hitting just .164 against them, including a 7-for-41 showing by Boston through two games.

“Obviously there are a few things that we notice with our guys,” Cora said. “But at the same time, when you’re good, you’re good. You’ve got to give credit to them.”

Oakland’s Wednesday starter was a familiar one against the Red Sox. Marco Estrada spent his previous four seasons in the American League East with the Blue Jays and was making his 16th start against Boston. The Red Sox pounded Estrada to the tune of a 7.98 earned-run average in three games last season.

Running game

Boston was 3-for-3 on stolen base attempts Tuesday and is 6-for-6 on the young season. The Red Sox have been caught just once in their last 27 attempts in the regular season … Brandon Workman and Ryan Brasier threw scoreless innings out of the bullpen on Tuesday. Boston’s relievers have allowed just three earned runs over their last 18 innings, good for a 1.50 earned-run average … David Price celebrates 10 years of big league service time on Thursday. The lefthander’s next scheduled start comes at Arizona on Saturday.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @BillKoch25