All signs point to non-roster invite winning spot in Red Sox rotation; Quinn Priester optioned to Triple-A Worcester
The Red Sox optioned right-handed pitcher Quinn Priester to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday afternoon, allowing lefty Sean Newcomb to take the No. 5 spot in the rotation.
The 31-year-old had been competing with Priester for the last few weeks in camp due to Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito starting on the injured list. Newcomb has all but solidified his role, barring an unforeseen swerve, and Cooper Criswell is officially named the fifth starter.
Alex Cora has not publicly committed to who will win the job, but all signs are pointing to Newcomb.
“It doesn’t mean that. It means we’re down to decisions,” Cora said to reporters. “Whenever we announce it, we announce it. He (Newcomb) put himself in a good position to be there. Coop pitched today. We weren’t able to extend him, but we know what he’s able to do. So we’ll get there when we get there.”
Spring stats don't always provide a comprehensive picture of players securing positions on major league rosters; however, Newcomb excelled, presenting a compelling argument that the Red Sox couldn't ignore.
The southpaw pitched to a 0.63 ERA with 13 strikeouts across five appearances (four starts), whereas Priester owned a 4.82 ERA with nine strikeouts over four starts. Criswell pitched in five games, making two starts; he recorded a 4.66 ERA with 10 strikeouts to three walks over 9 2/3 innings.
There’s a chance Criswell still breaks camp with Boston; he could occupy the long-reliever role, or he will be sent to Triple-A Worcester and pitch out of the rotation.
The Red Sox named Richard Fitts the team’s No. 4 starter last week. With Newcomb the in-house favorite to get the No. 5 spot, he’ll occupy it for a short period of time. Bello and Giolito are expected to return to the club sometime in April.
The righty tossed 1 2/3 innings in a minor league game on Saturday, and then he will pitch in Fort Myers on Thursday, and then meet the WooSox in Jacksonville, where he should make at least two starts against the Marlins Triple-A affiliate. If he is fully built back up to strength, he will rejoin the team on their second road trip in Chicago and Tampa.
Giolito (hamstring) is inching closer to his return, tossing two frames in a minor league game on Sunday. He threw two shutout innings and struck out four, allowing just one hit and firing 19 of his 32 pitches for strikes.
Red Sox option Marcelo Mayer to Triple-A Worcester
The Red Sox have one of their “Big 3” prospects set to debut after making the Opening Day roster. Kristian Campbell was informed he will make the 26-man roster out of camp on Sunday night; meanwhile, fellow infield prospect Marcelo Mayer will need to wait a little longer.