Dinelson Lamet makes first start for the WooSox
Lamet could provide bulk innings for the Red Sox in August
The Red Sox took a flier and signed right-handed pitcher Dinelson Lamet last month after he was released by the Rockies. On Saturday afternoon, he made his first start with the WooSox.
Lamet allowed one run and two hits while recording three strikeouts in three innings against Jacksonville. Lamet 48 pitches, 30 for strikes, batters swung at 22 of his pitches, per Baseball Savant.
After the Red Sox signed Lamet, Alex Cora told reporters, including Beyond the Monster that the focus for the righty was to regain his fastball and focus on his secondary pitches.
“We’re trying to get his fastball back,” said Cora after Lamet was signed to a minors pact. “That’s the most important thing. The velocity’s there but the characteristics of it are not there. We feel like we can make some adjustments with the off-speed pitches. He sees an opportunity here to go to Triple-A and get better and see what happens in the upcoming weeks or months in our situation and get back to the big leagues.”
Lamet’s fastball averaged 94 mph and maxed out at 95.1 mph. He also tossed his sinker, which averaged 94.3 mph and it maxed out 95.8 mph.
The Dominican native now has a 3.60 ERA (2 earned runs in five innings) with the WooSox after making his team debut last Saturday against Syracuse. Boston intends to build up Lamet as a starter and it’s expected they’ll add innings with each appearance.
Lamet started this season with the Rockies and struggled pitching to an atrocious .57 ERA in 25 2/3 innings to start the season.
The 31-year-old has been doing side sessions and bullpens with the WooSox as he ramps up and works on getting his fastball back. Lamet could potentially impact the Sox roster in August and could be a factor in the rotation.
In addition to Lamet, Boston will keep close tabs on what Kyle Barraclough (4-0) and Shane Drohan (2-3) does in the coming weeks. Both hurlers could help the rotation or even provide bulk innings down the stretch.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
