FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Given the unpredictability of Steven Wright’s surgically repaired left knee, the Red Sox had been viewing him more as an "X" factor for their bullpen than a sure thing.

So in light of Wednesday’s news that Wright will be suspended for the first 80 games of the season for testing positive for a banned substance, manager Alex Cora thinks his relief crew will be fine. Before the suspension, it had become increasingly clear Wright wasn’t going to be healthy enough to start the season on time.

"I think you guys had a pretty good idea that he was behind," Cora told reporters on Thursday. "It’s just where we’re at. Honestly, not too much changes, especially early [in] the first half of the season. We still have some capable guys here that, knowing where he is as far as his throwing program, we knew there was a pretty good chance he wasn't going to be part of it. We’ll just keep looking for guys that we can maximize their potential and get people out."

Cora also reflected on how his team went into last year’s postseason expecting Wright to be a vital part of the bullpen, before the righty suffered an injury just hours before Game 1 of the American League Division Series.

"We went through this in October. We were three hours away from the first pitch in the ALDS and we adjusted. We will adjust again," Cora said.

If Wright can get his knee fully healthy during his suspension, perhaps he can emerge as a weapon for the club in the second half. But Boston will again be without Wright for the postseason, per the terms of the suspension. (All players who fail PED tests are automatically disqualified for the playoffs.)

"If we’re dancing in October, he’s not going to be part of that. We’ll have to make adjustments," Cora said. "It’s part of it. Too bad that it happened, but we still have to get him ready, because if he’s healthy and he’s ready to go, he might be part of this roster in the second part of this season."

Barnes will pitch Saturday

Righty reliever Matt Barnes, a top candidate to win the closer’s job, will make his first appearance of Spring Training on Saturday against the Mets.

Ryan Brasier, the other main contender, threw a side session on Thursday after being slowed in Spring Training with an infection in his right pinkie toe. Brasier will throw another bullpen session in a couple of days, a live batting practice after that and perhaps be cleared to pitch in a game by sometime next week.

Up next

Lefty Darwinzon Hernandez, Boston’s No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline, gets the start on the road Friday in Sarasota against the Orioles. Righty prospects Mike Shawaryn and Travis Lakins will also see action. So, too, will lefty specialist Bobby Poyner, who is trying to win a spot in the bullpen. Andrew Benintendi, Christian Vazquez, Sandy Leon, Brock Holt and Eduardo Nunez are among the position players who will make the trip. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.