With Opening Day fast approaching, the Boston Red Sox are honing in on their starting rotation for the upcoming season.
Despite the team facing some challenges, the pitching staff has shown promise during spring training. However, the competitive environment means that one shaky performance could impact a player’s chances of securing a starting role.
Josh Winckowski’s outing against the Phillies on March 14 may have put his position in jeopardy. While he began the game strongly, the second inning proved to be his downfall, allowing four runs and showcasing some defensive lapses behind him.
Winckowski’s struggle continued into the fourth inning, ultimately resulting in a disappointing outing with five earned runs conceded. Despite showing some glimpses of potential, he faces stiff competition from Tanner Houck and Cooper Criswell, who have been delivering strong performances of their own.
Houck’s offseason focus on precision has paid off, boasting an impressive 1.59 ERA and demonstrating improved command on the mound. Meanwhile, Criswell has exceeded expectations with a solid 3.48 ERA and consistent strikeout numbers.
While Winckowski still has time to redeem himself, his path to securing a starting role seems uncertain unless he can showcase consistent excellence for the remainder of spring training. Manager Alex Cora’s propensity for lineup adjustments means there’s still a chance for Winckowski to prove himself, but for now, it’s clear that Houck and Criswell are making compelling cases for inclusion in the starting rotation.
