Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora provided a mixed bag of injury updates on two key pitchers Friday, offering a clearer picture of the team's pitching staff as they navigate the early season. The news underscores the constant battle against the injury bug that can test a team's depth.

Regarding starter Kutter Crawford, the update was cautious. Cora indicated Crawford's right elbow is still sore, and the club is considering imaging tests as a precautionary measure. The 30-year-old right-hander, who hasn't pitched for Boston since last September, recently exited a minor league rehab start, casting some uncertainty over his timeline for return.

On a more positive note, reliever Justin Slaten is set to take a step forward in his recovery. The right-hander, placed on the 15-day IL earlier this month with an oblique strain, is scheduled to begin playing catch this weekend. However, Cora tempered expectations, noting Slaten is unlikely to be activated when first eligible next week, emphasizing a careful approach to his rehab.

Slaten's absence is felt in a bullpen where he had been a reliable arm, posting a solid 3.30 ERA over 84 appearances for Boston. His injury has already prompted roster shuffling, with Tyler Samaniego getting a brief look before being optioned back to Triple-A Worcester earlier this week.

For a Red Sox team looking to establish consistency, getting key arms like Crawford and Slaten back to full health is a priority. While the path for Crawford seems to require more patience, the initiation of Slaten's throwing program is an encouraging sign for the bullpen's near future.