Down: Brandon Workman
Brandon Workman started off his 2018 campaign on a high note by allowing just a single earned run in 10 June innings. Unfortunately, that success hasn’t continued into the second half.
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In July, Workman saw the mound for only 8.2 innings, but still allowed five earned runs and 10 hits, including three home runs. In his only August appearance, he pitched two innings against the Yankees and surrendered another home run.
Workman’s last scoreless appearance came way back on July 15, and he’s only made three appearances since then. Across those three games, he totaled four innings, four earned runs allowed, and three home runs surrendered. The reason he’s used so infrequently is clear: Alex Cora can’t trust him right now.
If the Red Sox have a weakness right now, it’s the bullpen. Whether we’re talking about Heath Hembree, Kelly, or Workman, Boston has too many supposedly key relief options struggling to find consistency. Craig Kimbrel is perhaps the best closer in the game right now, but Cora needs to be able to trust that the rest of his relievers won’t blow it before the game gets to Kimbrel. If Workman can right the ship, Boston will be able to breathe easier in October.