Brandon Walter expected to make his big league debut on Thursday
Left-hander Brandon Walter is expected to make his major league debut for the Red Sox on Thursday against the Twins.
It’s not known yet how the Sox will use Walter in his debut. He is a candidate to possibly start the game or he could be used as a bulk inning reliever.
Walter’s 2023 season hasn’t gone to plan for the lefty as he has been working on getting back into a groove on the mound.
The southpaw was cruising along last season posting a 3.59 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 11 starts for the Portland Sea Dogs. He was promoted to the WooSix in early June and made two starts before suffering a neck strain that ended his season.
“I feel good. It’s really about getting back to pitching shape and getting the reps in.” Walter said to Beyond the Monster. “It’s hard to replicate in spring training what it’s like when the season starts and the numbers count.”
This season hasn’t gone to plan for Walter following his neck injury. He is 1-5 with a 6.84 ERA, a reasonable 21 percent strikeout rate, and uncharacteristic 10 percent walk rate.
Walter’s command has been an issue, walking 26 batters in 61 2/3 innings. He has been trying to combat that by throwing more strikes and getting ahead of batters.
“Strike throwing.” Walter said. “In the first game I had two walks, but I wasn’t in the zone as much as I typically am and that is out of the norm for me.
“Big point of emphasis coming into that second game was throwing more strikes and getting ahead of guys and be in the zone more which I was able to do that.” Walter noted.
Over his last two starts, he’s shown signs of improvement, posting a 3.48 ERA, 13 strikeouts, and just two walks in 10 1/3 innings. His last start on the road Saturday against the Norfolk Tides, Walter didn’t offer any free passes, which was his first start this season he had with no walks.
“The swings and misses are not there compared to previous years,” said Sox manager Alex Cora to reporters pregame. “But I do believe just watching the last one, the last actually two or three, we’re comfortable that he can come up here and compete, throw a lot of strikes from a different angle and give us a chance to win.”
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