The Boston Red Sox will have to make a couple of tough decisions over the next several weeks as their starting rotation gets healthy.
On Tuesday, the Red Sox welcomed starting pitcher Brayan Bello back to the big league club after missing all of spring training with shoulder soreness. With Bello getting activated off the 15-day injured list, the thought was that one of the back-end starters would be sent down.
That did not happen as the Red Sox optioned veteran reliever Zack Kelly to Triple-A. However, with veteran Lucas Giolito on the verge of returning from his IL stint, southpaw Sean Newcomb could be on the chopping block.
Sean Newcomb on Thin Ice for Red Sox
The Brockton, Massachusetts native was outstanding in five spring training appearances (1-0, 0.63 ERA), leading to him winning a spot on the Opening Day roster. However, things have not gone well for the veteran pitcher through the first month of the regular season.
The 31-year-old veteran has a 0-3 record and 4.43 ERA across five outings. Newcomb got hit around in his last start on Wednesday night against the Seattle Mariners.
The southpaw gave up eight hits, four earned runs (one home run), two walks, and landed eight strikeouts across five innings. It was the first time Newcomb pitched five innings in a game this season, but the second time he’s allowed eight hits and four earned runs.
Newcomb has allowed 32 hits and 11 earned runs (one home run) this season, but has struck out 27 in 22.1 innings pitched.
However, he's not the only pitcher struggling in the Red Sox's starting staff. Tanner Houck has an 0-2 record and 7.65 ERA (career-worst) through five starts this season.
When speaking with reporters on Wednesday night, the veteran pitcher knows his time could be running out with the Red Sox.
"I’m obviously aware of all that," said Newcomb (h/t Sean McAdam of MassLive.com). "I just want the ball. I’ll throw it in any kind of situation. I’ve got a bunch of experience in the pen and different things, so I’m just ready for whatever."
Nonetheless, it’s good that Newcomb is open to whatever role the team needs, especially with the starting rotation getting healthy. However, the Red Sox still need him to pitch better, whether out of the bullpen or rotation.