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Predicting Boston Red Sox 2021 Opening Day starting rotation

By Scott Edwards

FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Boston Red Sox throws during a team workout on February 15, 2020 at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Boston Red Sox throws during a team workout on February 15, 2020 at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Boston Red Sox Tanner Houck (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

The Question Marks

With Chris Sale out, the remainder of the rotation will need to be filled in by a mix of free agents, returnees, and prospects this season. Here we look at the names who have a chance to be in the rotation on Opening Day following successful spring training work.

Martin Perez can give Red Sox reliable innings

Martin Perez went from undesirable to undeniable in his one season with the Red Sox due to his personality and never-ending attitude to go out there and do his best. Perez re-signed with the team on a two-year contract this offseason after looking like he would not be brought back and is on track more than others to earn one of the rotation jobs. While it is no guarantee, the lefty showed improvement for the Red Sox and can be another good arm to eat innings for them this season as the No. 4 or 5 guy.

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    • New Red Sox pitcher Matt Andriese inspired to being a starter

    Matt Andriese comes to Boston with some familiarity with Bloom as he started his career with the Tampa Bay Rays. Andriese hasn’t been used as a starter much since his days with the Rays and has been more of a long-reliever. That being said, he has a chance to compete and could easily nab that final spot with a good camp, but by no means is he a favorite to nab a spot but can play his way into one.

    Nick Pivetta is a darkhorse to make the Red Sox starting rotation

    Last season, the Red Sox traded Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree to the Philadelphia Phillies, and a key part of their return was starter Nick Pivetta. The righty has shown multiple signs of talent in his time with the Phillies, but he ended up being the odd man out last season. In his two starts for the Sox, however, he was rather solid in 10 innings. Only two runs in those two starts allowed and threw 13 strikeouts. Pivetta has to be considered a darkhorse in the rotation hunt and should be seen as a real nominee for one of the final spots.

    Tanner Houck dazzled for the Red Sox towards the end of the 2020 season

    There cannot be a more exciting prospect for the Red Sox this season than that of Tanner Houck who came to the team late last season and showed the world that he could be the real deal.

    Boston Red Sox: 5 players who will spark excitement in 2021. dark. Next

    In his three starts against playoff teams (including the New York Yankees), he went 3-0 with a dazzling 0.53 ERA. In those 17 innings of play, he struck out 21 batters. The secret to him making the rotation is simple — consistency and limiting walks. If that is the case, then he should be well on his way to being in this rotation this year and for years to come.

    The Red Sox are better than they were last year and should very well be on their way to at least contending for the Wild Card if they’re pitching lives up to the lowkey hype.

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