Boston Red Sox: Why Rick Porcello is Boston’s X-Factor
Boston Red Sox starter Rick Porcello might have had a down year in 2017, but this season, the former Cy Young winner is primed to return to form.
The Boston Red Sox have started their season in historic fashion. After taking two of three from the Yankees in Fenway in very convincing fashion, the Sox are trying to prove that they are the alpha dogs in the American League.
The historic run has been sparked by the incredible starting pitching. Everyone in Boston expected Chris Sale and David Price to be sharp, but a familiar face is back again to prove that he is an elite starting pitcher: Rick Porcello.
During the Yankees series, Red Sox No. 3 starter pitched an absolute gem against the pinstripes. Through 6 innings, he had a no-hitter, and once his night was complete he pitched 7 shutout innings, allowing only 2 hits and striking out six in Boston’s victory.
This past Wednesday, Porcello was at it again. Against the Angels, he tossed 6 scoreless innings while striking out six more batters in a 9-0 Boston Red Sox victory. On the season he has a fantastic 1.40 ERA to go along with a spotless 4-0 record.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
A season of loss (literally)
Last season Rick Porcello was not good by any means.
In 33 starts, Sox righty had an abysmal 5.53 ERA and had some major control issues. His 11-17 record was amongst the worst in the majors. It was just evident that the Sox chances of winning diminished when Porcello was on the hill. There were lots of questions whether or not Alex Corra would accept another terrible season from Rick Porcello.
Last season, outside of Drew Pomeranz and Chris Sale, the Red Sox lacked a real consistent cast of starting pitchers.
David Price was battling injuries and lacked consistency, and with Steven Wright hurt it was a revolving door for the fifth spot in the rotation. It was imperative that the Red Sox could get another consistent starting pitcher, and to this point, that’s exactly what they have gotten.
Next: The 50 Greatest Red Sox Players Of All Time
If this keeps up, the Boston Red Sox can finally be a real threat in the loaded American League.