Dominic LoBrutto reflects on his career with the Red Sox and his goals for 2023
Over the last few years, the Red Sox have seen the value of their farm system skyrocket. With talent at every level, the future in Boston seems bright if they all meet expectations. One prospect entering a critical point in his career is Dominic LoBrutto.
The Red Sox selected the Florida native in the 18th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. However, it was not always the path he envisioned his life would take.
“Going into my sophomore year of college, I was not good by any means; I was throwing 85-86 and started working out a bunch,” said LoBrutto. I never assumed that I would get drafted. My thought process was always to go to school and get a degree. In the Cape league, I threw harder than I had in the past, and when I got back, there was more interest. I had a dollar figure that I wanted, and the Red Sox called me a couple of times leading up to the draft. Then I got the call on day two of the draft saying Boston had drafted me.”
After starting his pro career in 2017, the Florida native has steadily climbed through the system. In 111 games in the minors, LoBrutto has posted a 3.94 ERA and struck out 181 batters. At each level, he has adjusted to the increased pressure.
“At the lower levels, if you have good stuff, you can get away with just throwing and getting outs without thinking about each at-bat, said LoBrutto. “You also can’t take the talent for granted and have to be more methodical about attacking hitters. At Double-A and above, the talent is very close. From there, it’s about who is the most consistent. There are so many interchanging parts that if you focus too much on wats going on around you, it’s easy to fall into the trap of not being at your best mentally.”
In 2019, LoBrutto got his first taste of Double-A. In seven games, he posted an 8.71 ERA and recorded one save. While he couldn’t mirror his success from the lower levels, the Florida International University product moved closer to his ultimate goal.
After the 2020 minor league season was canceled, LoBrutto returned to the mound, ready to make an impact in 2021. His season, however, was cut short. After 33 appearances, he had to undergo Tommy John Surgery. During his rehab, the former 551st overall pick has taken the time to reset.
“One of the first things that Doctor Andrews told me after the surgery was that I had been throwing with a torn UCL for two years,” said LoBrutto. “Once, they told me that it was refreshing because there was that clarity of something was wrong. My mentality has been to work my butt off, keep my head down and see what happens.”
As LoBrutto has worked his way back, he has been able to rely on his teammates and Red Sox players in the majors for advice. One player who has had a major impact on the lefthander is Chris Sale.
“Chris Sale has given me a lot of advice,” said LoBrutto. “When he was in Portland for two weeks, and then last year for his rehab, he said it’s a game; have fun with it. When he is on the mound, you don’t want to mess with him, and he is the best of the best for a reason, but he is one of the best clubhouse guys. In Portland, he showed up for every game even if he wasn’t scheduled to pitch. He was having a blast all the time, which is how the game should be played.”
With the 2023 season quickly approaching, LoBrutto is entering a critical point in his career. While getting back on the mound will be vital, he isn’t taking anything for granted.
“I want to pitch this year. It’s a big year for me,” said LoBrutto. I’m a free agent after this year so getting back on the mound is big for me. Staying healthy, staying strong, and just having fun. It’s the last year of my contract, so you never know what’s going to happen. There are so many things that could happen. You never know what outing is going to be your last.”
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