Red Sox announce starter ahead of Saturday’s game with Astros
The Red Sox have named right-handed pitcher Josh Winckowski as their starting pitcher for Saturday’s game against the Astros.
Cooper Criswell was initially the scheduled starter, but he was placed on the COVID-related injured list on Friday.
Winckowski hasn’t started a game since July 6 at Yankee Stadium, when he went 3 2/3 innings and tossed 66 pitches. The righty has mostly been used out of the Red Sox bullpen this season, while also seeing a stint with the WooSox, where he was stretched out as a starter.
Brad Keller, whom the Red Sox recalled from the WooSox on Friday to take Criswell’s spot on the 26-man roster, was initially slated to start for Triple-A Worcester on Friday, but their game was postponed due to rain.
Keller is an option to piggyback after Winckowski after he tosses a few innings to open the game. In nine games with the Red Sox, the righty has a 5.40 ERA with one save and 11 strikeouts to five walks in 16 2/3 innings.
Winckowski has a 3.44 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 4.44 FIP in 24 outings (five starts) for Boston this season. He posted a 2.87 ERA in seven outings (six starts) for Worcester.
The Red Sox will need to get more out of their starters as they continue down the stretch and attempt to make the postseason for the first time since 2021. Boston’s next 13 of 16 games are against teams currently in possession of a playoff spot. The only team they’ll play that is on the outside looking in is the reigning World Series champions, the Rangers.
Over the last 16 games, the Red Sox starters have posted a 6.50 ERA, which is their worst mark since last August.
Boston will turn to James Paxton in the series finale on Sunday with the Astros.
Has Criswell been vaccinated? We know that vaccinated people can still get covid, though the incidence is much rarer and the impact less. But if he hasn't been vaccinated, it is a shame that he doesn't care about the team and what his absence might cost them.