SARASOTA, Fla. -- Setup man Carson Smith wasn't the only pitcher the Red Sox acquired in that December trade with Seattle for Wade Miley. Lefty Roenis Elias, who fired two shutout innings in a 5-1 win over the Orioles in his debut for Boston on Tuesday, has a chance to be much more than a throw-in.
The 27-year-old southpaw with a variety of arm angles has started 49 games over the last two seasons, and he also has the type of arsenal that could play well out of the bullpen.
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Elias probably has a better chance to make the team as a reliever, but he also offers starting depth.
"I feel confident in my abilities, whether that be starting or in the bullpen," Elias said through an interpreter. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make this team and help this team win. If they need me to start or relieve, I'm game to do whatever."
In Tuesday's start, Elias wiggled out of a bases-loaded, two-out jam in the second by striking out Nolan Reimold on a changeup.
"I thought he showed really good arm strength," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "[He has] a breaking ball that had good depth to it. Against [Chris] Davis, he showed the ability to move his arm angle around, give a little bit of a different look."
After five years in the Mariners' organization, Elias is looking forward to a new chapter with the Red Sox.
"I feel good," Elias said. "Thank you to the city of Seattle for helping me start my career. But I'm happy to be here in a new home, a new area. I'm ready to win some ballgames."