BoSox Injection
Fansided

Estimating MLB arrival for Boston Red Sox pitching prospects

By Rick McNair

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 05: The sun sets behind Fenway Park during the second inning of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins on September 05, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 05: The sun sets behind Fenway Park during the second inning of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins on September 05, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 26: Travis Lakins #56 of the Boston Red Sox throws against the Texas Rangers in the second inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 26, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 26: Travis Lakins #56 of the Boston Red Sox throws against the Texas Rangers in the second inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 26, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Almost Ready

At 23-years-old, former first-round draft pick (2017) Tanner Houck may be in line for “The Show” with a respectable spring. Houck throws hard and often tops out in the high 90s. The heater is often the building block for secondary pitches – the ones that keep hitters honest. For Houck, a slider and a change that are still in the trial and error stage.

Is Houck in the ‘pen or the rotation in the future? At Pawtucket (AAA), Houck appeared in 14 games in relief and two starts. In the Arizona Fall League, Houck reverted to the rotation with six starts (3-2, 2.70). The downside that jumps out for me is the usual – a 4.6 BB/9 in Arizona. Reality is Houck will best be served with a Triple-A season.

Mike Shawaryn was greeted by much disrespect from hitters in his 14 Boston games (0-0, 9.74) in 2019. Shawaryn mixes up his pitchers which is now a euphemism for not bringing exceptional heat. Expect the 25-year-old right-hander to plug away at Pawtucket for another season unless he has a big spring. He could surface again during the 2020 season in the bullpen or as a spot starter. Stat nuggets: A 15.6 SwStr% was best on Red Sox staff. 42.9 Hard% was highest on staff.

A surprise during the 2019 season was righty Travis Lakins (0-1, 3.86) who appeared in 16 games (three starts) after being the quasi closer at Pawtucket (six saves). Lakins has a four-pitch mix and can tune-up to the mid-90s on his fastball. Lakins will be part of the bullpen scrum and will be cheap with MLB minimum.

If Pawtucket had an “Ace” it could be Teddy Stankiewicz. The 25-year-old righty has a four-pitch mix that relies on mixing things up. Stankiewicz projects for another year at Pawtucket and could get a look similar to that of Shawaryn.

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