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Drew Pomeranz looking to rebound in second start

Drew Pomeranz was staked to an 8-0 lead in his Sox debut last week but didn’t survive the fourth inning.Charles Krupa/Associated Press/File 2016

Drew Pomeranz has been with the Red Sox only 10 days. But he knows enough not to make excuses

The lefthander was a bust in his first start for the Sox, going only three innings against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. He allowed five runs on eight hits in a game the Sox still won, 11-7.

Now Pomeranz gets a second chance against the Detroit Tigers on Monday night when he faces Justin Verlander.

Sox manager John Farrell was willing to give Pomeranz the benefit of the doubt. Pomeranz was coming off a 12-day layoff from starting, had pitched an inning in the All-Star Game then was traded and moved across the country.

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“Hopefully all those extra items are behind him and he can go out and pitch the way he has all year,” Farrell said.

Pomeranz acknowledged that this start feels more normal.

“It’s been nice to get back on my usual routine,” he said. “There was a lot going on the last time. But I’m not going to say that’s why I didn’t pitch well. There are always things you have to deal with in this game. I’m back to normal now.”

Pomeranz has faced the Tigers once in his career, throwing an inning of relief last season when he was with Oakland.

Verlander is 2-0 with a 1.63 earned run average in four starts this month. He faced the Sox twice last season and allowed one earned run over 14 innings.

Dustin Pedroia is 1 for 21 in his career against Verlander, but has only struck out three times.

Ortiz makes a memory

Former Red Sox player Arquimedez Pozo (1996-97) was at the game with a youth team from the Dominican Republic that he coaches.

The team, which is playing in a tournament in Providence this week, had their tickets arranged for by David Ortiz, who has known Pozo for years.

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The players, all in uniform, were on the field before the game watching the Sox’ starting pitchers take batting practice when Ortiz popped out of the dugout wearing sweat pants and a T-shirt.

He told the group to take a seat in the stands in the shade. They gathered in Section 15 and Ortiz spoke to them for about 15 minutes while signing autographs and posing for photos.

Ortiz said he told to the teenagers about his own experiences and encouraged them to work hard in school and on the field. When he finished up, the kids chanted “Papi! Papi!” and applauded him.

As some early arriving fans looked on in disbelief, Ortiz made his way back down the stands and returned to the clubhouse.

Betts almost ready

Mookie Betts, who has swelling in his right knee, missed his second straight game but was available off the bench.

“He’s still day-to-day, but we’d hope that by [Monday] night he’s back in the lineup. But won’t force it before it’s time,” Farrell said.

Betts took batting practice in the cage before the game and did some stretching and balance exercises on the field before first pitch.

“It’s a lot better. We’ll see how I wake up,” he said.

Righthander Craig Kimbrel, on the disabled list after surgery on his left knee, again played catch and is scheduled to throw in the bullpen Monday. He would repeat that Wednesday then face hitters either in a minor league game or a simulated game with the Red Sox in California. That could come as soon as Friday.

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“Step by step,” Kimbrel said. “There’s no pain. Just building myself back.”

Telling time

The non-waiver trade deadline is Aug. 1. With Joe Kelly now in the bullpen and Kimbrel not too far behind, the Red Sox have a few days to evaluate their relievers and decide whether another trade is necessary.

“Good question, because of the looming date,” Farrell said. “But that’s almost secondary to what we need to do [daily]. We’re right in the thick of this thing.

“We’re always evaluating who we are as a team and what we have on our roster. That’s taking place almost after the game. It’s matter of what we do between the lines and how we go out and compete as a group. Not just if our bullpen needs an added arm.”

With Kelly untested, Heath Hembree demoted to Triple A Pawtucket, and lefthanded hitters having a .367 on-base percentage against lefthander Tommy Layne, the Red Sox have room for improvement.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said last week he not anticipate additions. But major league sources said Sunday the Red Sox remain active evaluating starters and relievers and that Dombrowski was open to another significant trade.

Remy returns

Jerry Remy was back in the NESN booth after a freak accident on Saturday night. A strong gust of wind pushed a television monitor off its bracket and struck Remy in the head in the first inning. He was checked for a concussion and sent home . . . The Red Sox have sold out 10 consecutive home games . . . In his first game back with Triple A Pawtucket, lefthander Brian Johnson allowed four runs on six hits over three innings against Columbus. He walked four and struck out one. Johnson, 25, left the team in May to be treated for anxiety issues. He has made five minor league starts since.

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Homer happy

The Sox have at least one home run in the last 15 games, 29 in all during that stretch . . . Pedroia extended his on-base streak to 27 games . . . Xander Bogaerts (3 for 4) is 14 of his last 26 with eight runs. He is hitting .333. Bogaerts leads the majors with 17 three-hit games . . . The Sox were 4-3 against the Twins this season and trail the all-time series, 306-304 . . . The Sox are 13-5 in July, the best record in the majors . . . The Sox have won eight of their last 10 at home.


Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.