Jul 30, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brandon Workman (67) reacts after making a throw to first base during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Workman is another player who may be on the outside looking in (at least as far as the rotation is concerned) next spring. Often considered something of a borderline prospect, Workman may be destined for a career in relief pitching. He has a good fastball that can light up the radar gun at times, which is part of the reason he may be better suited in the bullpen. He has a great cutter, and solid curveball to round out his offerings.
There is still a chance Workman sticks in the rotation. He has had some strong starts in Boston the last two years but ultimately has yet to be consistent enough to earn a full time role. Workman has especially struggled in 2014 and it appears that this September could be his last chance in the rotation. He doesn’t really have the stuff to prosper as a starter but what he does have is tremendous command of his offerings, strong mental and physical makeup.
All of this only furthers my initial position that he would be a huge asset out of the bullpen (particularly with Tazawa’s recent struggles in the eighth inning). With so many young starters coming through the system, I think it almost makes too much sense to use Workman in the bullpen. He has shown a propensity for bullpen work in the past and I think that it is there that he will be of the most use to the team.