Boston Red Sox likely to use 3-man bullpen rotation this postseason
The Boston Red Sox have just three pitchers in the bullpen that manager John Farrell completely trusts, they’ll see most of the action.
David Price, Addison Reed, and Craig Kimbrel will be the three pitchers you’ll see coming out of the Boston Red Sox bullpen most often in the 2017 postseason. Down the stretch, those were John Farrell’s guys, and the bullpen always shrinks when the games matter a little more.
Although David Price has only been in the bullpen for a short time, he’s played extremely well in his new role. The Red Sox are counting on him to be their version of the Indians’ Andrew Miller. Price has the ability to go multiple innings if needed, and he can bridge the gap between starters and the lockdown 9th and 9th inning guys.
Addison Reed has been solid since coming over to Boston at the trade deadline, but he sometimes struggles to get through even one inning. Honestly, if the Red Sox have a lead and bring David Price in during the 7th inning, I wouldn’t be surprised if he also pitched the 8th to get the ball to Kimbrel while skipping over Reed. Now, Reed hasn’t been terrible at all so I’m not bashing the guy, but Price was a lot better in September and is a lot more fresh.
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Now, Reed hasn’t been terrible at all so I’m not bashing the guy, but Price was a lot better in September and is a lot more fresh.
If Reed does come in to pitch the 8th inning though, I’m confident he can get the job before the closer comes in to shut things down.
You don’t want Craig Kimbrel going multiple innings either. He’s much better as a 3-out man, and that’s what he should be this postseason. This year, Kimbrel was dominant with a 1.43 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 69 innings pitched. He recorded 34 saves on 39 opportunities. Kimbrel is the kind of guy you need to have in the 9th inning to be able to make a postseason run. We just have to make sure his Red Sox teammates can get him a lead.
Next: Red Sox relying on Price in the bullpen
The ALDS against the Houston Astros begins at 4 PM on Thursday, with Game 2 being played on Friday. Chris Sale will get the Game 1 start, with Drew Pomeranz likely going in Game 2. The rest of the rotation has yet to be decided.