Wright tabbed to start Saturday against Yankees

PHILADELPHIA -- Knuckleballer Steven Wright will make his third career start on Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. The opening for Wright is created by right-hander Joe Kelly needing one more Minor League rehab outing as he builds back up after missing time with a biceps injury.

"I think it's important to get Joe to 95 pitches as we've done with every one of our starters and the fact that his Spring Training has pretty much consisted of a lot of controlled environments. But he's making steady progress and one more outing we feel is probably in the best interest of everyone," said manager John Farrell.

Due to weather reasons, Kelly will probably make his start for Class A Greenville. Closer Koji Uehara, who also started the season on the 15-day disabled list due to right hamstring woes, will follow Kelly for an inning out of the bullpen in Greenville.

It will be Uehara's first game action since March 14.

Wright, who is the Red Sox's No. 28 prospect, is eager to get the opportunity to prove he is someone who can be counted on.

Video: Top Prospects: Steven Wright, RHP, Red Sox

The Red Sox put Wright on the active roster to start the season, though there was no guarantee he would get a start.

"I had kind of an idea, but it wasn't for sure," Wright said. "They told me when I made the team there was a possibility, so it's exciting getting ready for it."

Wright's lone start in 2014 came on Sept. 26 against the Yankees at Fenway Park. He is looking forward to another rivalry matchup.

"I try not to think about it. When you're in the big leagues, it doesn't really matter who you're pitching against," Wright said. "But it's definitely exciting, especially this early on because I've never broke with the team before and I've only made two starts. It's nice to get that first one under your belt, hopefully have a good outing and build off of that."