How Long Before Allen Webster Joins The Rotation?

Last night was the latest episode in what has been a line of disappointing starts for Felix Doubront. To start the season, the young lefty has a deceptive 3-1 record, but also has a 5.67 ERA and 1.70 WHIP. He was eaten alive by the potent Rangers lineup last night, as he allowed 6 runs and 12 hits in just 3.2 innings last night, picking up his first loss of the season in a 7-0 defeat. Needless to say, it has been far from an ideal start to the season for the 25 year old from Venezuela.

Feb 25, 2013; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher

(64) during the bottom of third inning of a spring training split squad game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It appears that the Red Sox will be needing to make a move before long if this continues. Luckily, there’s help on the horizon. Number three prospect Allen Webster has been dominant in Triple-A and looked good in his first major league start a couple of weeks ago, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) with 5 hits allowed and 5 strikeouts in 6 innings. However, he has been filthy with Pawtucket as he holds a 2.70 ERA with 12 hits and 6 walks allowed compared to 26 strikeouts in just 20 innings.

Both pitchers have filthy stuff, but Webster has seemed much more command of his arsenal than Doubront. While Doubront often falls behind and throws lots of pitches early, Webster is able to carve his way through lineups. Of course, his mid-90’s fastball and razor sharp slider help considerably and seemed to work even against a good Kansas City lineup.

I feel that Doubront deserves one more start, and the way things stand, he would face the Twins. If Doubront is unable to pitch well against the Twins, a stint with the PawSox may be necessary. And if Doubront is demoted, it’s going to be Webster who is called up. The way the Red Sox are playing, a youth movement would energize this team even more.