Club still has important decisions to make about trotation, second base
CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Red Sox have only 10 days remaining in Florida before they break camp and fly to Texas for two exhibition games against the Rangers.
By then, manager Alex Cora hopes to have his 26-man roster in place. But there are still some important decisions to be made.
The rotation: With Lucas Giolito out for the season following elbow surgery, another spot has opened up behind Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, and Kutter Crawford. Cooper Criswell,
Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock, and Josh Winckowski are competing for two spots.
“It’s been fun to watch. These guys have thrown the ball well,” Cora said before a 6-1 loss to the Phillies Thursday. “I’m comfortable with whatever decision we make. We’re going to be OK. I think stuff-wise, we’re using our arsenal the right way. It’s still spring training, but I think we can see it now.”
Houck has been the most impressive of the group, allowing two earned runs on six hits over 11 ⅓ innings with 12 strikeouts and two walks.
Criswell, who was signed for $1 million after being let go by the Rays, has given up four runs on 10 hits over 10 `⅓ innings and struck out 10 while walking two. The Sox see the 27-year-old as having a bright future as he works to add velocity.
Whitlock, who last spring was recovering from hip surgery, has had mixed results. He has walked one and struck out 11 over 11+ innings but also allowed six earned runs on 11 hits.
Winckowski, who excelled in the bullpen last season, could be headed back there. He had a rough outing against the Phillies, giving up five earned runs on eight hits over 3+ innings. The righthander said he was working on command of a sweeper and that led to some of the hits. But now is the time when pitchers have to make their cases.
As the Sox wait for Vaughn Grissom to recover from a groin strain, a platoon is likely with Enmanuel Valdez from the left side and Pablo Reyes from the right.
“It all depends on what we want,” Cora said. “Understanding when Vaughn is going to be ready, from my end that’s very important. We’re not saying it’s early April or mid-april or late April or whenever. But whenever it is, decisions will be made based on that.