Minor league signee Sean Newcomb is more likely to start the season because the Crimson Sox’s fifth starter, supervisor Alex Cora tells reporters (together with Alex Speier of The Boston Globe). The Sox would wish so as to add the southpaw to their 40-man roster if he breaks camp.
Newcomb hasn’t held a constant rotation position for seven years. He began 30 video games for the Braves in 2018. The previous first-round decide hasn’t reached 5 begins in an MLB season since then. Newcomb appeared like a possible mid-rotation arm early in his profession. Scattershot command pushed him to the bullpen and ultimately into journeyman territory. Newcomb has allowed a 6.66 earned run common in 98 2/3 frames divided between three groups for the reason that begin of 2020.
The 31-year-old has made seven MLB appearances for the A’s in every of the final two seasons. He labored 10 innings final 12 months and walked eight batters whereas recording seven strikeouts. He gave up seven runs. Newcomb had opened the 12 months on the 60-day injured checklist with left knee soreness and was launched in July, so he barely pitched. The Massachusetts native signed a minor league cope with the Crimson Sox in January.
Newcomb has had a incredible Spring Coaching. He has labored 14 1/3 innings of two-run ball, putting out 13 in opposition to three walks. He however wouldn’t have secured a season-opening rotation spot if not for a number of accidents. Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito and Kutter Crawford are all starting the 12 months on the injured checklist.
Giolito and Bello ought to be again by the center of April, so Newcomb’s stint within the rotation is perhaps transient. He’ll land behind Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Walker Buehler and Richard Fitts to start the 12 months. If he pitches effectively, Newcomb may kick into the bullpen. As a participant with over 5 years of service time, he may refuse any minor league assignments as soon as he formally cracks the 40-man roster.
Boston can even must open a roster spot for prime prospect Kristian Campbell, who’ll break camp and will play often at second base. Zach Penrod and Chris Murphy are candidates to maneuver to the 60-day IL if the Sox don’t need to designate anybody for project.
