SARASOTA, Fla. — Tyler Thornburg anticipated that Monday would be a critical milestone in his preparations for the season. But when the day arrived, it brought with it a setback that all but ensures that the Red Sox righthander — acquired from the Brewers to serve as the setup man in front of Craig Kimbrel — will open the year on the disabled list.
Thornburg, who hadn’t pitched in a Grapefruit League game since March 1 while trying to build shoulder strength, was scheduled to pitch against the Orioles, the first of what the Red Sox hoped would be at least three appearances in the final week of spring training.