BOSTON –– Red Sox pitcher Brad Penny was originally scheduled to return to Fort Myers after Opening Day at Fenway Park to throw a simulated game in the warm sunny weather.

Due to Monday’s postponement, the right-hander will remain in Boston and throw at Fenway Park on Tuesday.

He is scheduled to make his regular-season debut against the Angels on Saturday in Anaheim. Josh Beckett was pushed back a day because of the rainout and will start Tuesday and Sunday. Penny said it doesn’t make a difference whether he threw here or in Florida. He’s just looking forward to Saturday.

"I’m excited," he said. "Anytime you get to pitch for an organization like this it’s an honor. It’s a great team so it should be a lot of fun."

Penny dealt with shoulder issues for the entire 2008 season while playing for the Dodgers. The Red Sox took a chance on the free-agent pitcher during the offseason and that gamble could turn out to be a good for Boston and its staff.

"I feel great," he said. "It’s night and day from last year. I feel like I’m where I need to be."

For those Red Sox fans who are unfamiliar with Penny, he has a different kind of delivery. Similar to Fernando Valenzuela and Luis Tiant, Penny does not look at his catcher when he begins his windup.

Once he lifts his front leg, he’ll look at the ground, then stare at third base before delivering his pitch. He’s been doing it for as long as he remembers and says it’s all about balance for him. In fact, the first time he worked with Jason Varitek during spring training, the catcher told Penny, ‘‘You need to pick me up sooner.’’

"No I don’t," answered Penny.

Penny already feels comfortable with his new teammates. He’s felt like one of the guys since he first arrived at spring training.

"These guys have been great ever since I got here," he said. "This team makes you feel really welcome and bring you right in."

jmcdonal@projo.com