Aaron Cook really struggled in a spot start Saturday, allowing seven runs -- six earned -- on eight hits and a walk over just 2 2/3 innings in a loss to the Orioles. Cook got a 1-2-3 in the first inning, but he allowed a run in the second, and the O's teed off on him in the third, scoring seven runs, six of which that were charged to the right-hander. The 33-year-old is expected to now be moved to long relief.

Aaron Cook left Saturday's game briefly in the second inning with an apparent left knee injury. Cook got spiked by Chris Davis while covering home on a passed ball, but returned to the game after getting the gash stitched up. Clayton Mortensen was called in from the bullpen but later waived back prior to making a pitch. Cook has allowed two hits through his first two innings.

Aaron Cook will start in place of Josh Beckett on Saturday against the Orioles. Cook has exercised the opt-out clause in his contract, so the Red Sox are expected to add him to the active roster in the next 48 hours to prevent him from becoming a free agent. The original expectation was that Cook would pitch out of the bullpen, but he'll actually start in place of Beckett, who dealt with some unspecified soreness after his last start. Cook a 1.89 ERA and 13/11 K/BB ratio in 33 1/3 innings over five starts at the Triple-A level this season, but he isn't worth chasing in most fantasy leagues.

Alex Speier of WEEI.com reports that the Red Sox are plan to call up right-hander Aaron Cook from Triple-A Pawtucket within the next few days. Cook's contract has an out-clause on May 1, so the Red Sox will add him to the active roster to prevent him from becoming a free agent. Confirming a report by Maureen Mullen of CSNEE.com, Speier hears that multiple teams expressed interest in trading for Cook, but they were told that the Red Sox planned to promote him to the majors. Cook, 33, has a 1.89 ERA and 13/11 K/BB ratio in 33 1/3 innings over five starts with Triple-A Pawtucket. He is expected to pitch in relief with Boston, which is something he hasn't done regularly since his second major league season in 2003.

The Red Sox are discussing the possibility of recalling Aaron Cook and using him in the bullpen. Red Sox pitching coach Bob McClure believes that Cook would be successful in that role. Time is running out for the Red Sox to make a decision on Cook, as he can opt out of his contract if he isn't promoted by May 1. He's pitching extremely well for Triple-A Pawtucket, with a 3-0 record and 1.33 ERA through his first four starts.

Aaron Cook allowed one run over seven innings Monday night in his latest start with Triple-A Pawtucket. Cook now has a 1.33 ERA in his first four starts with the PawSox, though this includes an underwhelming 8/9 K/BB ratio over 27 innings. The veteran right-hander has an opt-out clause in his contract if the Red Sox don't promote him by May 1, though he could also wait and opt out on June 1. He would be a natural alternative if the Red Sox ultimately decide to keep Daniel Bard in the bullpen full-time.

Red Sox reassigned RHP Aaron Cook to minor league camp. An expected move. Cook posted 1.88 ERA and 6/4 K/BB ratio over 14 1/3 innings as a non-roster invitee this spring and would likely be the first option up from the minors if the Red Sox need a starter. His contract includes an opt-out on May 1.

Aaron Cook held the Nationals to a run and two hits over five innings in a victory Monday. Cook will begin the season at Triple-A Pawtucket, but he could be the first person called up when the Red Sox need a starting pitcher. He ends the spring with a 1.88 ERA in 14 1/3 innings.

Aaron Cook allowed two earned runs in four innings Thursday in a spring outing against the Yankees. It was Cook's second appearance in the Grapefruit League, and he fared well. The veteran right-hander signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox this winter and will function as starting rotation depth in 2012.

Aaron Cook turned in a successful spring debut Saturday, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings against an Orioles split-squad. Cook faced the much better of the two Orioles split-squads, as everyone in the lineup today had a pretty good chance of cracking the Opening Day roster. He allowed just one hit, walked one and struck out one. Cook probably isn't a candidate for Boston's initial rotation, but he could be a factor come late April or early May.