Boston Red Sox continue to scrounge for rotation depth
By David Hill
The Boston Red Sox are continuing to desperately search for pieces to their rotation as they have added Jhoulys Chacin on a minor league deal.
As the calendar has flipped to September, the Boston Red Sox still find themselves in search of help in the starting rotation. Chris Sale is gone for the rest of 2019, while David Price, Nathan Eovaldi, and Rick Porcello have disappointed. Trade acquisition Andrew Cashner has been a disaster. If Boston is going to climb back into postseason contention, they need to find another arm, and fast.
That quest for rotation help has led them to make another signing. Former Milwaukee Brewers starter Jhoulys Chacin has been signed to a minor league deal, but will presumably have a chance to make an impact at the major league level soon.
A generally solid pitcher throughout his career, Chacin ended up as the surprise ace for the Brewers in 2018. In a surprisingly strong season, he posted a 15-10 record with a 3.50 ERA and a 1.163 WHiP. He started a National League best 35 games, striking out 156 batters with 71 walks over his 192.2 innings.
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That production led to Chacin being named the Brewers Opening Day starter this season. However, he was unable to replicate his success, posting a 3-10 record with a 5.79 ERA and a 1.556 WHiP over his 88.2 innings. He was truly victimized by the long ball, serving up 19 homers after allowing just 18 all of last season.
Nonetheless, Chacin is a risk the Red Sox need to take. With August trades essentially a thing of the past, the Red Sox had little recourse to find potential rotation help. A pitcher with Chacin’s track record, and recent success, is worth the look.
It would not be a surprise for Chacin to join the rotation in short order. The Red Sox are currently working with a four man rotation, with Porcello, Eovaldi, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brian Johnson. Once rosters expand, Chacin could slide into the back of the rotation, potentially providing stability for the next month.
The Boston Red Sox are in dire straights when it comes to their pitching depth. Jhoulys Chacin is a gamble worth taking if Boston is to find their way into the postseason chase once more.