Sonny Gray's Return: Red Sox Pitching Puzzle

On April 29th, Sonny Gray has been sidelined since April 20th with a right hamstring strain hitting the 15-day injured list after just 40.

Pitches against the Tigers on Patriots Day.

The Red Sox Ace is 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA, over 5 stars this season, and Boston's desperate to get him back as they're pitching.

Staff sits in the bottom half of the league in the ERA.

Earlier this week, Gray threw a successful bullpin session on April 27th, keeping him on track for an early May return.

Interim manager Chad Tracy, who took over after the team fired Alex Korra and five coaches, called it a strong step forward with more volume planned, soon at Finway.

Gray is staying chill about it, saying he's dealt with hamstring tweaks before and doesn't see this as a long-term issue.

He's monitoring it closely, familiar with the drill from pass flare-ups, and eligible to activate as soon as May 6th.

Without him, the rotations leaned on Brand Bello, Garrett Crochet, Connolly Early, Ranger Suarez, and Rookie Peyton-Toli, who struck out 15.

Over two starts, but given up four earned runs, Tracy faces a tough call when Gray returns, likely bumping someone my tolay or a struggling bellow.

Meanwhile, Boston wraps up at the Blue Jays tonight with Bello on the mound, then hosts the Astro starting May 1st before heading to Detroit, where Gray could slide in against the Tigers on May 6th if all goes smooth.

Keep an eye on that pitching puzzle as the socks grind through this rough patch.

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