Red Sox Prospect Watch: First week of Spring Training

Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (16) runs out of the dugout to start the game against the New York Mets at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (16) runs out of the dugout to start the game against the New York Mets at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 27, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Robby Scott (63) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Robby Scott (63) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Pitchers

Pitching is a very fluid discussion for this current roster.  Obviously when your rotation features Rick Porcello, Chris Sale, and David Price, starting pitching is not a big concern.  Even with the debate on who takes the last two spots, there is not a panic to “fix” this rotation.

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With that being said, there is a concern about the bullpen.  Carson Smith is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, and will probably be ready to come back around the All-Star Break.  That leaves Craig Kimbrel and Tyler Thornburg as the main pieces of the bullpen.

Here is where it gets interesting.  Someone like Robby Scott could use a great spring into a full-time role in Boston out of the pen.  Scott, who made his MLB debut in Oakland last September, is entering his age 28 season.  He has allowed a hit and no runs in two innings pitched.  With the bullpen only having two lefties currently (if Drew Pomeranz is in the bullpen), Scott could find his way into Boston’s 2017 plans.

Brian Johnson is another name who many people were excited to see if he could replicate his 2015 success.  Currently, he is exhibiting more of his 2016 struggles.  Johnson has a 6+ ERA in roughly 5 innings pitched.  While he has struck out 7 batters, he has also walked 4 batters.  For someone who is in a very good position to try and be the first started called up from Pawtucket, Johnson has not taken advantage of his opportunity.

Schedule