Red Sox Rankings: Top 5 Surprises of 2016 Season

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Apr 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Steven Wright (35) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

1. After two weeks of play, Steven Wright is the best starting pitcher

When Eduardo Rodriguez hurt his knee on February 29, the smart money was not on Steven Wright to take his place until Rodriguez could return some time in May to the rotation. A 2.66 Spring ERA by Wright sent phenom Henry Owens to Pawtucket to start the season. Facing one of the most fearsome lineups in baseball a week ago in Toronto, fans were likely thinking this decision was going to blow up in Manager John Farrell‘s face. One earned run allowed in 6.2 innings made people think twice about how they feel about Wright’s ability to retire major league hitters.

After the Red Sox decided to push Wright back to Sunday, a week between starts, it was to keep David Price on a more regular turn of pitching once every five days. Wright did it again to the Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon, allowing just two runs on six hits over six innings. In 12.2 innings on the season, Wright has allowed just three earned runs for a sparkling 2.13 ERA. So far, the Red Sox have not been able to get any runs for him, scoring a single run in the 12 innings he has been on the mound. Two starts is too soon to mark Wright as the guy they don’t get runs for, but that is not Wright’s fault. Though he is 0-2, that 2.13 ERA is less than half of Price’s 4.50 which is the next best for a starter on the team.

When Rodriguez is ready to re-enter the rotation, will Wright be the one to lose his spot after such effectiveness?

Next: 2. Sandoval has started one game at third base this season.

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