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Red Sox Opening Day: Predicting Boston’s 2021 starting rotation

By Brendan Mizgala

FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox high fives Nathan Eovaldi #17 and Darwinzon Hernandez #63 during a team workout on February 20, 2020 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox high fives Nathan Eovaldi #17 and Darwinzon Hernandez #63 during a team workout on February 20, 2020 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta
Mar 9, 2021; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Nick Pivetta (37) pitches in the first inning during spring training at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

Red Sox RHP: Nick Pivetta

This is where my rotation might skew away from some others that have been predicted out there. If you follow me on here then you know I have a big love for Martin Perez and probably thought I’d have him in this spot, but I threw you a curveball. I have been beyond impressed with Nick Pivetta during his time with the Red Sox. We got to see him have a few starts in 2020 and he’s been pretty solid this spring training as well.

Pivetta came to Boston at last year’s trade deadline in a deal with the Phillies that also saw pitching prospect Connor Seabold come to the Sox in exchange for Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree. Based on how 2020 ended and what we know as of now, I think the Red Sox definitely won that trade. I have Pivetta in the three-hole as a bit of a change of pace from what batters will see with Eduardo and Nate. Eddie is going to eat em up with that fastball/changeup one-two while Evo will blow them away with pure gas.

Now, Pivetta will not be hitting the radar gun like the guy in the previous slide but his combination of pitches will keep hitters guessing and could very well allow him to have a resurgence in his career. The story with the righty has always been his potential, yuck I know, but never being able to put the puzzle together. During his short time with Boston and working with pitching coach Dave Bush may have him heading down the right road.

The right-hander totaled a 2-0 record with a 1.80 in 10 IP for the Sox in 2020. He showed confidence and technique that I think made Chaim smile from ear to ear as he knew he got the quality arm he was shooting for. He’ll be a good swing-man to get the rotation to the back half and can be that guy that either keeps a streak going or ends a cold spell if necessary.

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