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Boston Red Sox pitcher Fernando Abad during the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

(Chris O'Meara)

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Fernando Abad is not a lock for the Red Sox Opening Day roster.

Nevertheless, the lefty left the club Tuesday to pitch for Team Dominican in the World Baseball Classic.

Through four appearances for the Red Sox this spring, Abad has been inconsistent posting two scoreless innings, but allowing four runs in his other two outings.

The Red Sox typically carry two lefties in the bullpen and Robbie Ross will have one of those two spots. The other job will likely come to Abad and Robby Scott.

"You love the fact that his country looks upon him as a guy to contribute for the WBC," manager John Farrell said. "He's pitched four times; there's been early-camp mixed results, which are not uncommon. But in those positions of competing for a spot, you'd like to think that a guy's going to be here to make that mark here. He's aware of his status on the roster competing for a spot. When he returns, it's constant evaluating that's going on."

Last season, Abad posted a 6.39 ERA over 18 appearances for Boston following a mid-season trade from Minnesota for prospect Pat Light.



Scott, meanwhile, impressed in his time with the club at the end of the season and Farrell has liked what he's seen so far this spring.

"He's looked good," Farrell said. "Always in spring training you're looking at how guys handle certain situations. He was thrown right in the mix of it right away. His ability to stay composed, compete, make pitches, he's done a very good job of that."

In three appearances, Scott has tossed three scoreless frames, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out three.

If Abad is trying to prove his value to the team, he won't be able to do so while with Team Dominican.

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