Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez, after missing last season, made his spring debut on Friday. (AP file photo0

Boston ace Eduardo Rodriguez pitched 2 2/3 innings in his first start since missing last season because of health concerns in the Red Sox’ 6-5, seven inning win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.

The left-hander was 19-6 in 2019, then was sidelined by heart inflammation caused by COVID-19. Rodriguez struck out two and gave up one run and two hits.

Michael Chavis hit his second home run for Boston. Mike Brosseau hit his second homer for Tampa Bay.

Rays newcomer Rich Hill was roughed up in his first start, allowing four runs in the first inning. Rafael Devers drew a bases-loaded walk, Hunter Renfroe singled in a run and Marwin Gonzalez added an RBI double.

ASTROS LOSE PITCHERS

The Houston Astros are minus eight pitchers because of COVID-19 protocols, but general manager James Click said there were no plans to pause activity at the team’s spring training camp.

Manager Dusty Baker said Friday that pitchers Cristian Javier, Pedro Báez, Francis Martes, Enoli Paredes and Hector Velazquez were out. On Thursday, Baker said pitchers Bryan Abreu, Ronel Blanco and Luis Garcia were sent away from the complex.

It was not known whether the eight pitchers had tested positive for the virus or had come in close contact with someone who had tested positive. There was no exact timetable for their return, but they must quarantine for at least a week under Major League Baseball’s health and safety protocols.

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