Can Josh Winckowski’s sinker lock up a rotation slot?
Right-hander Josh Winckowski came to Boston as part of the three-team trade that sent Andrew Benintendi to Kansas City. Winckowski was pressed into service with the rash of rotation casualties and did a commendable job.
Winckowski relies primarily on a fastball and slider and has dabbled with a curve and change-up. His ability to induce ground balls with his sinking fastball is essential. Get it up; it can go out mighty quick, but Winckowski has shown the ability to be a solid potential contributor this season and beyond.
Drifting back to the 1970s, the Red Sox had another righty with a nasty sinker, Bob Stanley. Stanley was primarily noted for his bullpen work, which may be a possible future for Winckowski.
Stanley spent his entire 13-year MLB career with the Red Sox, with his most successful duty being out of the bullpen. Multiple innings were a specialty for Stanley, and Winckowski could slide into a similar role with the current Red Sox.