Eovaldi scheduled to throw sim game this week

BOSTON -- Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, who is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow, is expected to throw a simulated game against live batters either Thursday or Friday, but "probably Friday" due to the team's travel schedule. The Red Sox have a night game against the Indians Wednesday before traveling to New York to kick off a four-game series with the Yankees Thursday.

While there is no definitive timetable for Eovaldi's return, the Red Sox hope to have him back in the rotation sooner rather than later. Eovaldi, who signed a four-year, $68 million contract in the offseason, made only four starts before landing on the 10-day injured list on April 20 (retroactive to April 18) with a loose body in his elbow.

Meanwhile, lefty Brian Johnson will likely need "two or three" more rehab starts before returning. Johnson, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with left elbow inflammation on April 6, was sent on a rehab assignment with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs on May 21.

Cora said that Johnson will need a few more starts to get stretched out, as he still needs to work on maintaining his windup and release point beyond the first inning. Johnson is currently 0-1 with an 11.25 ERA in two rehab starts.