BOSTON — Steven Wright has earned his spot in the Red Sox’s rotation so far. The only problem is, it’s not really his spot.
The knuckleballer slotted into the No. 5 spot in the rotation when Eduardo Rodriguez hit the disabled list with a hyperextended knee before Opening Day, and so far, he’s delivered two quality starts, including one Sunday in Boston’s 5-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. And there’s no doubt manager John Farrell is happy with Wright’s reliability.
“Even when he was in the bullpen swinging back to the rotation last year, he gives you some sense of what to expect each time out,” Farrell said. “He’s likely to give you six innings, usually three or four runs where he’s kept the game under control. The last couple times out, it’s been even better than that. The fact that he’s added a curveball to his mix, he’s doing a very good job.”
Wright pitched at least six innings in each of his starts this season and hasn’t given up more than two runs. Whether he can keep it up remains to be seen, but it’s definitely appealing when some of the Red Sox’s other starting pitchers have failed to go deep into games. But Farrell thinks those who are wondering about Wright’s staying power in the rotation might be getting a little ahead of themselves.
“First of all, we’ve got to get Eddie back here,” Farrell said. “When that day arrives, yeah, we’ll have a decision to make, but he’s certainly doing everything to support his cause. You like the contrast of style. You like the fact that there’s a uniqueness to him, and hopefully (Clay Buchholz) can take advantage of that with a different style again (Monday). Steven Wright’s doing one very good job.”
Rodriguez’s return date still is uncertain. The left-hander still needs rehab starts, but he’s not with an affiliate club yet. Wright might get another couple weeks to show off, but it’s too early to tell if the other starters will deliver, too.
You also have to keep in mind that Wright is a huge asset in the bullpen. While the Red Sox obviously want quality starts every outing, that doesn’t always happen, and they don’t have a long reliever with Wright in the rotation. If Rodriguez comes back pitching well, Wright might actually be better as a reliable back-up for when things go south, especially considering he could pitch more than once every five days.
Either way, it looks as though there’ll be no shortage of buzz around the Red Sox’s rotation once again.
Thumbnail photo via Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports Images
