Farrell: Aceves wasn't removed because of injury

SEATTLE -- Before Tuesday night's 11-8 win over the Mariners, manager John Farrell mentioned that the Red Sox would count on Alfredo Aceves to get them through long-relief situations, saying that with him and callup Brandon Workman, the organization was "one pitcher short from a traditional 12, but we feel like we've got plenty to get through."

But when starter Allen Webster got shelled for seven runs in the first 2 1/3 innings, Aceves lasted only two-thirds of an inning, finishing out the third but wincing noticeably as he left the mound.

Farrell denied that Aceves' discomfort was a sign of injury.

"Where we were in the lineup, it felt like we needed to show a left-hander to slow them down," said Farrell. "There was a feeling of tightness on his left side, but … he wanted to continue. But I was just trying to slow the left-handers down."

If Aceves is able to finish the road trip, it would be a big boon for the Red Sox. Boston's bullpen depth has been tested in consecutive games against Seattle, as starters Jon Lester and Webster have lasted five and 2 1/3 innings, respectively.