Cam Booser carving out a role in the Red Sox bullpen
Less than a month ago, Cam Booser defied all odds when he made his MLB debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was a moment he would never forget and has been a highlight for the Red Sox this season. However he has been more than just a feel good story and carved out a role in the Red Sox bullpen.
In 15 innings, the Seattle native has posted a 3.60 ERA and struck out 17 batters. The talented 32-year-old has shown excellent control and held opponents to a .214 batting average. After starting the season in Worcester, Booser is quickly becoming one of Alex Cora’s most trusted arms.
His success is even more rewarding, considering his journey to the majors. During his college career, Booser dealt with various injuries and needed Tommy John surgery. After signing with the Twins as an undrafted free agent in 2013, disaster struck two years later. While recovering from surgery for a torn labrum, Booser was hit by a car and broke his back.
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Almost a decade later, after stepping away from baseball for a few years, Booser has rediscovered his love for baseball. He has used a fastball that tops out in the high 90s to frustrate hitters on a nightly basis. He is seemingly only getting better as the innings pile up. The Central Arizona College product has posted a 3.38 ERA and recorded five scoreless outings this month.
While Booser struggled on Friday night against the Cardinals, allowing two earned runs, it was a rare off night, which happens to every pitcher. A little bit of adversity has never stopped Booser, and one poor outing shouldn’t derail his success. Right now, Booser is living out his dream and not taking anything for granted.
“Ever since I was a kid, Fenway always called me,” Booser told Milb.com’s Ryan Sheahan following his promotion to the majors.” It was the coolest park to me…The dream is to get to the big leagues. But, a little more selfishly, the dream is to pitch at Fenway in a Red Sox uniform. This is a really cool opportunity for me and it’s something I’ll cherish every single day that I’m here.”
As injuries have mounted, Booser has provided needed depth and shown that he belongs in the majors despite having the odds stacked against him.
