Call to the pen
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Boston Red Sox Trade Deadline Preview

By Nick Fustor

Jun 8, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price (24) speaks to shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) between pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price (24) speaks to shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) between pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Where to Improve

Eduardo Rodriguez should improve after a rough comeback from injury.  Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Eduardo Rodriguez should improve after a rough comeback from injury.  Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Pitching

While Price was roughed up to start the season, he’s steadily improved since April.  The 30-year-old has gone eight innings in his last three starts while giving up only six runs.  In the process, he’s lowered his ERA to a semi-respectable 4.24 and FIP to 3.50.  Price should only improve as the season goes on and he becomes more at home in Fenway Park.

Wright is in the midst of a breakout season with a 2.01 ERA with a wildly effective knuckleball, but he’s walking 3.39 BB/9 – which could be an issue down the stretch.  However, Wright manages to get out of jams consistently and looks to be the clear number two in the Sox rotation after entering the season as an afterthought.  While the Price has been Wright in the past month (sorry, but you wouldn’t pass that up either), the rest of the rotation is far from a sure thing.

Just two months ago, Porcello was the best pitcher in the Sox rotation with a 2.76 ERA entering May, but has seen that increase to 3.93 in the weeks since.  He’ll likely stay effective as the team’s third starter, while hopefully not reverting back to his 2015 form.

The problems arise with Rodriguez and Buchholz, who have both been inconsistent throughout the season.  Rodriguez has a 6.41 ERA with a more concerning 6.35 FIP, but only allowed three runs in six innings in his last start against the White Sox.  After posting a 3.85 ERA in 121.2 innings last season, he should improve going forward.

Buchholz, though, was demoted to the bullpen for a time after a disastrous start to the season. In five bullpen appearances, he only allowed three runs while throwing four scoreless outings.  Upon his return to the rotation, Buchholz allowed three runs in five innings.

The Sox seem to have moved on from the 31-year-old unless he seriously turns things around, but he’ll most likely now be trade bait in the last year of his contract.

As for the bullpen, the Sox have been solid, but the front office has expressed their desire to add another dominant reliever if they fail to acquire a starter at the deadline.

Next: Platoon Partner in the Outfield

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