Aaron Cook

After spending 10 seasons with the Rockies, Aaron Cook has moved on to the Red Sox. He’s made just two starts this season in the wake of injured starters in the rotation, and on Friday night he’ll do it again as he takes the mound against the Mariners in the second game of Boston’s West Coast trip.

After spending the first month of the season in Pawtucket, Cook made his first Red Sox start on May 5 due to the absence of Josh Beckett, who missed that start due to a sore lat muscle, which led to the much-discussed incident in which it was reported that Beckett went golfing with the injury.

As it turned out, Cook may have liked to forget his start just as much as Beckett would like to have forgotten the controversy. Cook gave up seven runs (six earned) in 2 2/3 innings as he was quickly chased by the Orioles. He didn’t strike out anyone as the Orioles beat the Red Sox, 8-2.

Cook had a chance at redemption on Sunday, as he was called up a day before his start to replace Clay Buchholz, who had to miss his start due to a serious case of esophagitis. Cook, who was returning from the disabled list after receiving 11 stitches due to a gash on his left knee suffered on a play at home plate, made better in his second opportunity.

He pitched five innings, scattered six hits, gave up three runs (two earned) and struck out none as he earned his first Red Sox victory in a 9-4 win over the Braves. Now, with Buchholz still on the disabled list, the 33-year-old right-hander will make his third start with the team against the Mariners, a team he has never faced. He’s faced five different current Seattle batters, posting a combined .100 opponents batting average and striking out four in 20 combined appearances.

The Mariners will counter with Hector Noesi, a young pitcher who has had extreme difficulty finding success this season. In 15 starts, the 25-year-old is 2-9 with a 5.50 ERA. The Dominican hasn’t won a game since May 6, and is 0-6 in his last nine starts.

Noesi might be turning a corner after a fairly impressive outing last time out against the Padres. Despite taking the loss, Noesi pitched six innings and gave up only two runs (both earned) although he surrendered seven hits. He’ll go up against a Red Sox team that he’s faced off against twice as a member of the Yankees in his two-year big league career.

On June 7, 2011, after Freddy Garcia was roughed up in his start, Noesi came on in relief in a 6-4 loss to the Red Sox. He pitched six innings, gave up two runs on three hits and struck out one. On Aug. 6, 2011, he came on in relief again after CC Sabathia gave up a big lead. Noesi pitched one inning, gave up three runs on two hits and walked two batters as the Red Sox took control, 10-4.

Noesi has faced five current Sox batters in 12 combined chances, holding them to a .111 batting average.

Red Sox vs. Noesi (RHP)

Adrian Gonzalez (3 plate appearances): .000 BA/.333 OBP/.000 SLG, 1 walk

Dustin Pedroia (3): .000/.000/.000, 1 RBI, 1 strikeout

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (3): .000/.333/.000, 1 walk

David Ortiz (2): .500/.500/2.000, 1 home run, 2 RBIs

Kelly Shoppach (1): .000/.000/.000

Mariners vs. Cook (RHP)

Chone Figgins (7 plate appearances): .000 BA/.000 OBP/.000 SLG

Miguel Olivo (5): .200/.200/.800, 1 home run, 1 RBI, 1 strikeout

Oliver Perez (4): .000/.000/.000, 1 strikeout

Brendan Ryan (3): .333/.333/.333

Jason Vargas (1): .000/.000/.000