New WooSox pitcher Kyle Barraclough embracing starting rotation role: 'I am bringing a lot of experience'
The WooSox didn’t have to wait long to fill an empty starting rotation spot with another experienced veteran arm. The Red Sox signed Kyle Barraclough this week for much needed pitching depth. After the release of Matt Dermody, Barraclough fills that veteran rotation option that teams need at the Triple-A level.
“The goal was to get out of Indy ball and back into affiliate ball.” Barraclough said to Beyond the Monster on Tuesday. “I got contacted on Saturday that the Red Sox were interested. I was surprised how quickly it developed because I was supposed to start there that weekend. I packed up the car on Sunday and drove halfway and the other half Monday.”
“It was a little bit like opting out.” Barraclough added. “In 2021 I was with the Yankees and opted out and went to the Twins so it was a little like that. It was a little hectic and the only difference was it was unexpected. You hear chatter and my agent is hearing from some teams and stuff might happen. Obviously, you never know if that call will come but you hope it does and that was the whole point of being down there was to get in front of people. I have been bouncing around for a few years now, so it wasn’t anything new to me.”
“I feel I am bringing a lot of experience.” Barraclough added. “I have been around a lot the past couple of years. I will be someone who goes out there and competes and tries to win each at-bat.”
Barraclough has appeared in 288 games in the MLB during his career, all of which have come in relief. This year in Indy ball, he has been stretched out and starting games for High Point. The veteran is well aware of the difference between the two.
“Being able to pitch with five pitches would be the biggest thing.” Barraclough said about starting. “Traditionally as a reliever that is not something that is necessary. It’s harder to do that when you’re coming in and only pitching one inning and you have to be a little more on the ball and careful. It’s late in the game and you might only be in there for an inning or two and you want to go with what’s working and narrow down pitch selection. In the starting role you can get a little more expansive and you can plan for multiple at bats over the course of the game. You can try to sequence and set guys up through multiple at bats as opposed to just one at bat. The five-pitch mix is really what it is, and its throwing a couple different fastballs and a cutter that I was working on last year. Being able to do that over multiple innings and being able to go out there inning after inning and throw different pitches instead of being a two-pitch guy.”
The depth that Barraclough brings to the table is important, as we have already seen the Red Sox call up Dermody in a spot this year due to injuries in the starting rotation. Barraclough carries a career 3.61 ERA over his 7-year MLB career. If he can string together a stretch of good outings, it wouldn’t be crazy to see him pitching in Boston.
“The first time I went to Fenway was with the Marlins back in 2018.” Barraclough noted. “I went back the next year with the Giants, and we set a record for most pitchers used in a game between both teams. It was like 30 guys used and a four hour long game. It was Bruce Bochy’s last year there. That was my one shining moment at Fenway. I do like Fenway with the history and its a cool place to be.”
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