The Boston Red Sox have a few more decisions to make this spring, but they've gotten closer to finalizing their Opening Day roster before traveling to Texas to face the Rangers on March 27. On Sunday, they announced two key decisions with the pitching staff.
In the starting rotation, the Red Sox optioned top prospect Quinn Priester to Triple-A Worcester, which cleared the path for Sean Newcomb to earn the No. 5 spot to start the year. Priester, who came over in the Nick Yorke trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates last year, didn't have the best spring, while Newcomb excelled.
Priester finished with a 4.82 ERA, 2.25 WHIP and .359 batting average against in his four starts (9 1/3 innings). He walked seven batters and surrendered two homers. The right-hander zoomed through his time in the Pirates' farm system, so perhaps he could use more reps at Triple-A to work on any issues. It's hardly the end of the world for the 24-year-old.
As for Newcomb, the veteran lefty has been lights out after signing a minor league contract with the Sox. The former Angels first-round pick logged a 0.63 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in five games (four starts) this spring, totaling 14 1/3 innings. He's allowed just nine hits and hasn't issued a walk or given up a home run.
Injuries to Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito and Kutter Crawford have changed the complexion of the rotation to begin the 2025 season.
In the bullpen, the Red Sox granted former Yankee Adam Ottavino his release. The veteran reliever triggered the opt-out clause in his deal after it became clear he was not going to win a job in the bullpen. Boston had reason not to use a spot on Ottavino, who gave up six earned runs on five hits and five walks across five spring innings. He racked up eight strikeouts, so perhaps he was just working through a few tweaks, but he's not exactly immune from getting knocked around (as Red Sox fans know from his time with the team in 2021).
It's looking like Boston's bullpen will comprise of Aroldis Chapman, Liam Hendriks, Justin Slaten, Garrett Whitlock, Greg Weissert, Zack Kelly, Justin Wilson and Brennan Bernardino. They have depth at Triple-A, too, with lefty Matt Moore agreeing to start the season in the minor leagues.
In regard to other tidbits, it appears as if Kristian Campbell will be the starting second baseman when the regular season opens this week and Masataka Yoshida will begin the year on the injured list. The next few decisions in the coming days will solidify the 26-man roster fans will see Thursday.