Red Sox Opening Day 2017: 25-man roster breakdown
By Sean Penney
Starting Rotation
RHP Rick Porcello, LHP Chris Sale, RHP Steven Wright, LHP Eduardo Rodriguez
Why only four starters? The obvious missing piece is David Price, whose return date remains a mystery as he recovers from elbow soreness that nearly caused a panic in Red Sox Nation. Surgery seems to have been ruled out, so the talented lefty should be back on the mound sometime next month ready to bounce back from what was considered a down season by his lofty standards.
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports Group
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
Until Price returns, the fifth spot in the rotation will be filled by Drew Pomeranz. While he’s also going to open the season on the disabled list, this is likely no more than a crafty way of manipulating a new rule that allows teams to put players on the DL for as little as ten days. Boston won’t need a fifth starter until April 9, just in time for Pomeranz to be activated.
Rick Porcello is the reigning Cy Young winner and Chris Sale is the best left-handed starter in the American League, giving the Red Sox arguably the best 1-2 punch in the majors.
Steven Wright tosses the always unpredictable knuckleball, but showed last year that when he can harness it he’s capable of pitching at an All-Star level. The front office remains high on the inconsistent Eduardo Rodriguez, believing that the 23-year old has top of the rotation upside.
This is a very solid rotation that could turn into a great one if everyone pitches to their potential and Price returns to form.