Red Sox Make Slew of Roster Changes

 

The Boston Red Sox are cleaning up their roster ahead of today's doubleheader versus the Baltimore Orioles. Of their several moves made, the biggest is their promotion of right-handed pitcher Josh Winckowski, who will make his MLB debut as the starting pitcher in game two of the doubleheader. 

Josh Winckowski is here and is pitching tomorrow for the Red Sox

— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) May 27, 2022

To make room for the 23-year-old, the Red Sox have optioned reliever Hirokazu Sawamura to Triple-A Worcester. Sawamura hasn't pitched terribly this season, but the Red Sox are clearly looking for upgrades. The 34-year-old owns a 3.60 earned-run average over 15 innings this season. He's allowed 14 hits and walked seven batters over that time frame, making for a lackluster 1.333 WHIP. 

With Josh Winckowski slated to make his Red Sox debut tomorrow, here is video from his last @WooSox start. Best pitch is his slider. Full arsenal includes several types of fastballs (four-seam, sinker, cutter), slider & changeup. Full scouting report here: https://t.co/WhCW1Pu8Td pic.twitter.com/0Ly14KrYq4

— Ian Cundall (@IanCundall) May 27, 2022

The Red Sox freed up another bullpen spot by placing the right-hander Hansel Robles on the 15-day injured list. Robles has been solid this season with a 2.65 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 17 innings of work. Two call-ups will take his and Sawamura's place in the bullpen. Right-handers Ryan Brasier and Phillips Valdez will make the trip from Triple-A to fill in. 

Photo Credit: Landon Bost/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK