The Boston Red Sox didn't add as many arms as they or their fans hoped at the trade deadline. The gap between the first and second starter in the rotation is still significant, and the bullpen could've used more depth to stay fresh as they push for the postseason.
Luckily, Boston's farm system is recently flush with pitching depth, thanks to careful drafting and trading by current and former chief baseball officers Craig Breslow and Chaim Bloom. Pitching had been an area of need in the Red Sox's farm system, but they now have pitching prospects to spare. Fans may see them at Fenway Park sooner rather than later.
Boston on July 29 promoted top pitching prospect David Sandlin to Triple-A, and his role has already been adjusted to fast-track him to the major leagues. The WooSox have converted Sandlin from a starter to a reliever to potentially use him as a depth option in the Red Sox's bullpen come September.
Sandlin's first relief appearance with the WooSox wasn't perfect, and he allowed two runs on three hits in 1.1 innings. He may need time to adjust to a relief role, but he has the stuff to pitch out of the bullpen, with three different fastball shapes and triple-digit velocity.
Recently promoted top pitching prospect David Sandlin to switch to relief role as potential depth option for Red Sox
The Red Sox acquired Sandlin from the Royals via trade before the 2024 season (Kansas City received reliever John Schreiber, whom the Red Sox faced and rocked for three runs on August 5). Sandlin posted a 5.34 ERA with 82 strikeouts and 15 walks in 57.1 innings between High-A and Double-A in his first year in the Sox's system. All 18 of his outings were starts. This season, he's clocked a 3.65 ERA with 93 strikeouts and 28 walks in 88.2 innings pitched.
WooSox manager Chad Tracy said Sandlin's transition to the bullpen will only be temporary, so he can potentially be used as depth. He has the history and arsenal of a starter and it serves Boston to keep him one. Homegrown starting pitchers are rare in the Red Sox organization, and if they can have big-league capable starting depth in the minor leagues, their rotation will be much fiercer.