2. Sean Newcomb, SP
Boston has had to lean on Sean Newcomb and Richard Fitts to fill out the rest of the starting rotation due to Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello being injured before the season.
Newcomb, the left-handed starting pitcher, has a 0-2 record and 4.97 ERA through his first three starts this season. The 31-year-old southpaw was outstanding in Spring Training, possessing a stellar 0.63 ERA in five appearances (four starts).
However, the veteran starting pitcher, who has a career 4.52 ERA, has reverted to his old ways. In his last start against the White Sox on Friday, Newcomb got lit up by one of the worst teams in the majors.
The veteran pitcher allowed six hits, six runs (two earned), and two walks, but struck out six batters in four innings of work. Newcomb has struggled to go deep into ball games, failing to complete five innings in his first three starts.
The southpaw pitched well in his home debut last Sunday, allowing six hits, one earned run, and three walks, and striking out five in 4.2 innings pitched against the Cardinals. Boston defeated St. Louis 5-4 in extra innings.
With Bello and Giolito still not ready to return, the Red Sox need Newcomb to have a much better performance in his next start on Wednesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays.
3. David Hamilton, IF
The 27-year-old infielder is struggling mightily at the plate to start this season, which Red Sox fans did not expect. Hamilton slashed .248/.303/.395 with 17 doubles, a triple, eight home runs, and 28 RBI in 98 games last season.
He was also a factor on the basepaths with 33 stolen bases, which is impressive for a player on his second year in the majors. This season, it has been a completely different story for Hamilton. The third-year infielder is slashing .056/.105/.056 with an RBI.
Hamilton hasn't played often, as their middle infield is with Trevor Story and rookie Kristian Campbell. However, when he has played, Hamilton has been a net negative.
The Red Sox hope Hamilton can turn it around as he gave them a much-needed boost with his speed. If he can't get on base, it's hard to justify playing him right now.