Red Sox’s Cooper Criswell Impresses Against Solid AL East Hitters

The Boston Red Sox signed Cooper Criswell to a one-year deal for $1 million in December, betting on the upside of his stature and pitch mix.

So far in spring training, the 27-year-old has done a solid job unveiling the vision of chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and pitching coach Andrew Bailey.

Criswell had a 3.77 ERA in 14 1/3 innings with 13 strikeouts and three walks entering his start Thursday. His latest outing would be a solid test with several talented bats in the lineup for the reigning American League East champion Baltimore Orioles.

Criswell answered the bell at JetBlue Park, though. The right-hander tossed four scoreless innings, mixing his pitches well and attacking hitters with a quality sweeper. Criswell allowed just two hits without a walk while striking our four batters.

Criswell will factor into a group behind Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck as he can fill multiple roles in the bullpen for the Red Sox. If needed in April, the righty may even emerge as sixth starter to keep arms fresh early in the season. Most importantly, Criswell could step up as one of the more valuable arms to start the season.

Boston saw positive signs from Criswell exactly one week before the Red Sox get things started on Opening Day in Seattle against the Mariners.