Boston Red Sox: Breaking down Spring Training 2022 non-roster invitees

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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 22: A general view of the stadium as the sun sets before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 22, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Pitchers who might make the Boston Red Sox Opening Day roster

Michael Felix had a 7.20 ERA in 20 innings in the Majors last season. However, the right-handed pitcher did have a brief run with the Red Sox, and in that time he allowed just two runs in 5 1/3 innings. The fact that Boston got to see him last year might help him a bit.

Durbin Feltman is an interesting one. The righty hasn’t gotten to the Majors yet and was coming off a very disappointing 2019 season. However, he absolutely dominated last year and only got better when he was moved up to Triple-A (2.59 ERA, .200 BAA, 0.90 WHIP in 24 1/3 innings). This feels like a true audition. If Feltman pitches really well, there’s no reason to believe the Red Sox won’t want him in their bullpen.

Brian Keller is another one that has never been to the Majors. But the right-handed pitcher has two things going for him that make him intriguing. First, he posted phenomenal numbers in Triple-A last year (2.77 ERA, .214 BAA, 1.61 WHIP in 55 1/3 innings). Second, he did that in the New York Yankees organization. That’s always fun, especially considering Garrett Whitlock came from the rivals last year and became an absolute stud. Outside looking in, but not too crazy.

Oh boy was Zack Kelly fantastic for the Red Sox in the minors last year. Between Double-A and Triple-A last year, the righty had a 2.18 ERA to go along with a .194 BAA and 1.08 WHIP in 45 1/3 innings pitched. Not impossible to think he could find a role.

Kaleb Ort worked his way up to Boston last year by posting a 2.98 ERA, .233 BAA, and 1.32 WHIP in 45 1/3 innings in Triple-A. He only pitched 1/3 of an inning for the Red Sox but didn’t allow a run (one hit and one walk). The right-hander has great MiLB numbers (most years with the Yankees), and could be seen as a realistic option this Spring.

John Schreiber threw three innings for the Red Sox last year. The righty allowed one run in that time, striking out five. In the minors, posted a strong 2.71 ERA to go with a .242 BAA and a 1.31 WHIP. Another pitcher that has a decently realistic chance of making it this Spring. But others will have priority over him.

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