Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

Porcello to begin rehab stint Saturday

MIAMI -- Right-hander Rick Porcello will go on a two-start rehab stint, beginning with a start for Class A Lowell on Saturday.

The plan is for Porcello to throw four innings and/or 65 pitches in that first start. Five days later, he'll pitch for either Double-A Portland or Triple-A Pawtucket.

Assuming there are no setbacks, Porcello should be back in Boston's rotation by the last week in August, when the Red Sox go on a road trip to play the White Sox and Mets.

Porcello's finish to the season will be one of the team's most compelling storylines to follow, given how much he has struggled in his first year with Boston.

In 20 starts, Porcello is 5-11 with a 5.81 ERA, and he has allowed 20 home runs.

Porcello has been on the disabled list since Aug. 2 with a right triceps strain.

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne and listen to his podcast.
Read More: Boston Red Sox, Rick Porcello