Josh Winckowski is carving out a role in the Red Sox bullpen

Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Scott Audette)

Through the first two series of the season, the Red Sox starting pitching has provided mixed results. Home runs have been flying out of Fenway, and opponents have been stealing bases at will. However, the bullpen has been a bright spot, and Josh Winckowski is off to the best start of his career.

In his second big league season, the Toledo native has made three appearances and posted a 1.50 ERA. He has already struck out six batters and only walked one. Winckowski arrived at spring training determined to prove himself, and so far, he has met expectations.

Additionally, the Estero High School product has limited baserunners whenever he has been on the mound. Through six innings of work, opponents are hitting .174 against the former 462nd overall pick. That is a dramatic drop from last season when opponents hit .300 against Winckowski. While the sample size is small, the Red Sox righthander is making the most of his opportunities, and Alex Cora is taking notice.

On “Gresh and Fauria” earlier this week, Alex Cora praised Winckowski for his work this season and the adjustments he has made.

"The one that is intriguing us a lot is Winckowski," Cora said. "I think he did an amazing job (against the Pirates), he did a good job earlier against Baltimore. His stuff is ticking up, he's throwing 96, 97. This is a kid that last year he was caught up on the strikeouts, the swing, and misses, and he's not doing that out of the bullpen. So, he's a good one, we really like him."

If the former 15th-round pick keeps up his current play, he should become one of Cora's most trusted arms. He can throw in the high nineties and has struck out five batters in his last two innings. His ability to pitch multiple innings allows Cora to be creative with how he utilizes his bullpen. In his new role, Winckowski is off to a dominating start.

As the Red Sox look to return to the postseason, Winckowski will be critical. The Estero High School product has shown he can overpower hitters while carving out a role in the Red Sox's bullpen. In 2022, the bullpen was a major weakness for the Red Sox, and Winckowski will be part of turning it into a strength in 2023.

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