Red Sox Select Robert Stock, Place Josh Winckowski On 60-Day IL

The Boston Red Sox are making headlines today with significant roster moves as they bolster their pitching staff. In a recent announcement, the team revealed the selection of right-hander Robert Stock’s contract, allowing him to rejoin the bullpen. This decision involved optioning Cooper Criswell to the minors to create space on the active roster. Moreover, the Red Sox placed Josh Winckowski on the 60-day injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow, opening up an opportunity for Stock to contribute significantly during this crucial stretch of the season.

Robert Stock is no stranger to the Red Sox organization, having previously made a brief appearance earlier this season. Despite only throwing two innings during that stint, he showcased his potential. However, after being outrighted off the 40-man roster, Stock found himself back in the minors. At 35 years old, this marks Stock’s second time joining the Red Sox bullpen in 2023. His journey to this point has been a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs that began much earlier in his career.

Drafted as a second-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals back in 2009, Stock’s major league debut came in 2018 with the San Diego Padres. His inaugural season was impressive, posting a 2.50 ERA and 2.71 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) across 39.2 innings. Unfortunately, he struggled to replicate that success in subsequent seasons, bouncing around between several teams, including Boston, Chicago, and New York, and managing a disappointing 7.36 ERA over the 2019-2021 period.

Seeking new opportunities, Stock ventured abroad following the 2021 season, pitching for the Doosan Bears in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). During his time there, he demonstrated resilience, achieving a solid 3.60 ERA over 165 innings. However, upon his return to North America, Stock continued to push for a chance in affiliated ball, joining the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League and the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos in the Mexican League before finally rejoining the Red Sox on a minor league deal this season. To date, he has posted an impressive 3.09 ERA in 55.1 innings of work at the Triple-A level.

As Stock steps back into the big league arena, he brings with him a wealth of experience and the ability to fill necessary gaps in the Red Sox’s pitching staff. The team’s hope is that Stock can provide both depth and length from the bullpen, especially as they face an increasingly demanding schedule.

Filling the spot on the roster is Cooper Criswell, a right-hander who has seen both ups and downs in his early career. Originally drafted by the Angels, Criswell eventually made his way to the Red Sox, showcasing versatility in a swing role that allowed him to pitch effectively in both the bullpen and rotation. Last season, he made a commendable contribution with a 4.08 ERA and a 104 ERA+, covering 99.1 innings. However, this season has not been as kind; he struggled in a limited role, allowing 8 runs in just 6 innings.

Criswell will head to Triple-A with the hopes of regaining form and returning as a reliable option for the Red Sox pitching staff later in the season. The Red Sox have made it clear that they see potential in Criswell, and this move is intended to recalibrate his performance.

Meanwhile, the absence of Josh Winckowski adds another layer of complexity to the Red Sox’s pitching dynamics. Winckowski, who debuted with the team in 2022 and found success in a multi-inning relief role, has been sidelined since early May due to elbow inflammation. The Red Sox’s decision to place him on the 60-day IL indicates they do not expect him to return to action until at least early August. This situation illustrates the team’s need for stability and depth, which they believe Stock can provide in the interim.

In conclusion, as the Red Sox navigate through challenges and injuries within their pitching roster, the inclusion of Robert Stock serves as a strategic move. His previous experience and recent performance in the minor leagues may offer the team much-needed reinforcement. Additionally, fostering the development of Cooper Criswell while maintaining a keen eye on the recovery of Josh Winckowski will be paramount in maintaining the pitching staff’s integrity. Time will reveal how these changes manifest on the field, and fans will be eagerly watching for Stock’s impact as he steps into this new chapter with the Red Sox.

Source link