UPDATE: Red Sox manager Alex Cora followed up after Boston’s Sunday tilt and confirmed a final decision hasn’t been made with Cooper Criswell still in the mix. He hinted during the game Newcomb was in the lead in the battle. MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo shared after the game the battle isn’t over, though.
“It doesn’t mean that. It means we’re down to decisions,” Cora said as transcribed by Cotillo. “Whenever we announce it, we announce it. He (Newcomb) put himself in a good position to be there. Coop pitched today. We weren’t able to extend him, but we know what he’s able to do. So we’ll get there when we get there.”
ORIGINAL: The Boston Red Sox have started to make roster decisions with Opening Day just four days away right now.
The starting rotation has been under a microscope with Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford beginning the season on the Injured List. Richard Fitts was named the No. 4 starter and now it seems like Brockton, MA’s own Sean Newcomb is in line to be the team’s No. 5 starter.
Quinn Priester was in the mix for the spot, but was sent down to the minors on Sunday, according to MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo.
“Quinn Priester optioned to AAA, so it looks like Sean Newcomb will be the No. 5 starter,” Cotillo said.
Another guy who was mentioned as a possible option was Michael Fulmer and he recently was sent down to the minors as well.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora shared during the team’s game on Sunday that the No. 5 spot in the rotation looks like it’s coming down to Newcomb as well.
This isn’t the most surprising thing in the world. Newcomb has been phenomenal throughout camp. He’s made five appearances and logged a 0.63 ERA and has 13 strikeouts throughout 14 1/3 innings pitched. He’s an eight-year big league veteran and has spent time with the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Athletics.
His time with the big league club likely won’t be long with Bello, Giolito, and Crawford all making progress, but this is good news for the hurler.