The Boston Red Sox are 17-16, just two games behind the New York Yankees in the American League Central. However, they could be making some changes to their roster soon.
With Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito returning, the Red Sox almost have all of their preferred starters available. However, the injuries have forced Sean Newcomb to make five starts. He has a 4.24 ERA and has issued 11 walks. FanSided’s Zach Pressnell urged the Red Sox to move on from Newcomb by June 1.
“(Walker) Buehler will be given more opportunities than Newcomb because Boston committed a lot of money to him in free agency. (Tanner) Houck will receive more opportunities than Newcomb because he was an All-Star last season, so Boston can hold out hope he returns to that form.”
Newcomb’s struggles do not really warrant a role in the bullpen either. He has a 4.50 career ERA and has shown that the Red Sox cannot rely on him to get big outs. Additionally, the rotation could get even tighter if the Red Sox pursue a starter at the trade deadline.
“To make matters worse for the lefty, there’s a chance the Red Sox pursue a trade for an impact starter to join Crochet at the top of the rotation,” wrote Pressnell. “Names like Sandy Alcántara and Dylan Cease have been thrown around, but even a pitcher like Sonny Gray would help the Red Sox quite a bit.
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“With all this in mind, it would be quite surprising for Newcomb to remain in Boston for too much longer, unless he converts and excels in a full-time bullpen role.”
His career ERA out of the bullpen is 4.71. It is actually worse than his 4.41 ERA as a starter in his nine years as a big leaguer.
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