The Pink Sox introduced that they’ve chosen the contract of right-hander Nick Burdi. Fellow righty Cooper Criswell has been optioned because the corresponding lively roster transfer. To open a 40-man spot, righty Kutter Crawford has been transferred to the 60-day injured record.
Burdi, 32, signed a minor league cope with the Sox within the offseason. He has since been placing up some good numbers for Triple-A Worcester. Via 16 2/3 innings, he has solely allowed one earned run, resulting in a 0.54 ERA. He has struck out 38.5% of opponents whereas solely giving out walks 7.7% of the time.
All through his profession, the query has been extra about well being than expertise. A former second-round decide of the Twins, he has twice had Tommy John surgical procedure, as soon as in 2017 and the second time in 2020. He additionally had a thoracic outlet syndrome surgical procedure in between these two, in 2018.
He understandably didn’t pitch a lot from 2016 to 2022 however has been capable of log some innings extra just lately. In 2023, he solely pitched three massive league frames but additionally received to 21 innings on the farm, with a 3.86 ERA and 35% strikeout charge. He additionally walked 15% of opponents that 12 months, maybe understandably rusty after a lot missed time.
Final 12 months, he pitched 9 2/3 main league innings for the Yankees with a 1.86 ERA in addition to 17 Triple-A innings with a 2.65 ERA. At each ranges, he had excessive strikeout totals but additionally loads of walks. He missed time with a hip damage and was outrighted off the roster late within the season, which allowed the Pink Sox to signal him.
It’s a small pattern however Burdi’s begin this 12 months nonetheless options the identical strikeout stuff however seemingly with higher management. He’s averaging 96 miles per hour on his fastball whereas additionally throwing a slider and changeup. The Sox will add him as a recent arm, not less than for a number of days. They solely have a four-man rotation proper now with Walker Buehler anticipated to be reinstated from the IL within the coming days, maybe on Tuesday. Burdi has choices, so it’s attainable he’ll be despatched down when Buehler is prepared, relying on how issues go between at times. If he manages to remain wholesome and put up some massive numbers within the majors, he will be retained past this season by way of arbitration if nonetheless on the 40-man roster.
As for Crawford, this doesn’t change something with him. The 60-day rely is retroactive to his preliminary placement on the 15-day IL. He landed there to begin the marketing campaign as a result of proper patellar tendinopathy. He shall be eligible for reinstatement in late Could, however that doesn’t appear seemingly anyhow. He has been throwing these days however hasn’t but begun a rehab project. Even when cleared to begin that project quickly, he would absolutely want a number of weeks to ramp up as a form of delayed spring coaching.
Picture courtesy of Brad Penner, Imagn Pictures
