RHP Porcello OK after taking line drive to head

MESA, Ariz. -- Boston Red Sox first baseman Steve Pearce will start the season on the injured list, second baseman Dustin Pedroia will start in the Red Sox spring training finale against the Chicago Cubs and right-hander Rick Porcello survived a scare after getting hit in the head by a line drive on Monday.

Pearce to start on the injured list

Pearce, the 2018 World Series MVP, left an exhibition game last weekend due to discomfort. Boston manager Alex Cora told reporters Monday that Pearce is going to start the season on the injured list and that right-hander Sam Travis will start in his place.

"He's been swinging the bat, he plays first, he's a right-handed hitter," Cora said of Travis. "It…