Kimbrel nearing return, slated for ‘pen session

BOSTON — Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel is nearing the finish line of his recovery on the 15-day disabled list for a left knee medial meniscus tear. The right-hander is set to throw a 20-pitch bullpen session Sunday or Monday.

The 28-year-old underwent surgery July 11 and has been working to get back on the mound as quickly as possible.

“Craig is doing very good right now,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said. “I think right now we’d like to get two bullpens in before we head to the West Coast. Whether or not Craig travels with us remains to be seen. He could be getting that close to a rehab appearance. But still, there’s very good progress being made there.”

The Red Sox will open an 11-game West Coast trip July 28 before returning home for a midweek series against the Yankees on Aug. 9. If Kimbrel gets through his bullpen sessions smoothly, the next step will be a simulation game at Triple-A Pawtucket.

Since Kimbrel has only missed nine games, the question of how many simulation games the closer can throw will be answered after he’s evaluated in the ‘pen.

“We need to get some PFP [pitchers’ fielding practice] involved here,” Farrell said. “Which is some change in direction, field in position, those types of things. But in terms of amount …

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