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Takeaways from the first week of Red Sox Spring training

By Daniel Fox

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 10: Nick Pivetta #37 of the Boston Red Sox reacts during the twelfth inning of game three of the 2021 American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on October 10, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 10: Nick Pivetta #37 of the Boston Red Sox reacts during the twelfth inning of game three of the 2021 American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on October 10, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox RHP Tanner Houck
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 18: Tanner Houck #89 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox during game one of a double header at Fenway Park on April 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

Back end of the Red Sox rotation has been surprisingly sharp

With the acquisition of Trevor Story providing a clear upgrade at second base, the biggest question mark on the Red Sox roster is undoubtedly the starting rotation. All-Star Nathan Eovaldi appears the only safe bet among Red Sox starters, as he will be followed in the rotation by the inconsistent Nick Pivetta, the unproven Tanner Houck, the injury-prone and frequently mediocre Michael Wacha, and 42-year-old Rich Hill. Not exactly a group that inspires confidence.

If this first week of spring training is any indication, however, Red Sox fans have little to worry about. Pivetta and Wacha both threw three innings of shutout ball in their debuts, while Houck (2.2 IP, 1 ER) and Hill (2 IP, 0 ER) were solid as well. Combined, these pitchers allowed just one run over 10.2 innings, striking out nearly a batter an inning and walking just five.

It’s hard to put too much stock in these performances, especially in the first week of spring training when many teams are still starting minor leaguers. However, with the abbreviated exhibition schedule shortening the amount of time pitchers have to build up, it’s encouraging to see these starters looking sharp right out of the gate.

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