Boston Red Sox Prospects: Jay Groome gets promotion to Triple-A

Boston Red Sox pitching prospect Jay Groome promoted to Triple-A

Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Jay Groome has been promoted to Triple-A. This comes after an impressive showing in Double-A.

Groome was promoted to Double-A late last season. He made three starts there, comprising of 15 2/3 innings. The lefty posted a 2.30 ERA, .211 BAA, 1.02 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts in that time. He then started 2022 still with Portland (obviously). In 16 more appearances this season, he’s tossed 76 2/3 innings at the level. Groome has a 3.52 ERA, .207 BAA, 1.25 WHIP, and 81 strikeouts there this season.

The 23-year-old has had a bit of a walk issue this year, that he’s never had before. His 38 walks allowed in 2022 are the most of his career. Two more than last season, despite throwing 18 2/3 innings less. Meanwhile, the strikeouts are down a bit as well.

However, there are some major positives. Overall the numbers are still great. And his .207 BAA this season is easily the best of his career (in years where he threw more than 6 2/3 innings). It’s .027 lower than anything he’s ever posted, and .032 better than last season.

He’s been impressive in most of his starts this year, and has has some absolute bangers of outings. Where he looks untouchable and giving a glimpse of that true ace potential everyone was going crazy over when he was first drafted.

In his two starts in July, Groome has been dominant. He’s combined to give up just two runs on seven hits and five walks over 11 innings. And he did all of that while also throwing in 14 strikeouts.

This gives Groome a decent amount of time to show what he can do in Triple-A before the end of the season and a strong chance to learn, adapt, and grow at the level. He’ll need to limit the walks a little bit more. However, as I said that really hasn’t been an issue before this season. So you might be able to iron that out without too much of a problem.

A great changeup and curveball combination compliments a decent fastball for Groome. That right there is a really good three-pitch mix. It could lead to a lot of success, especially if he can add a little bit of hair to the fastball.

The Red Sox have a lot of pitching depth in their minors. It’s pretty impressive how many prospects they have that are extremely close to the Majors. Few possessed the type of hype that followed Groome when he was a first-round pick back in 2016 though.

Multiple injuries derailed his career in the first few seasons. Now healthy however, Jay Groome appears to be out to prove he’s still that dude. And this promotion to Triple-A is not only deserved, but also another example of his talent and potential.