Advertisement
Advertisement

Phillips Valdez Excelling in Red Sox’ Bullpen

Advertisement

This season, the Red Sox’ pitching staff is full of many new faces. Unfortunately, the majority of the staff has struggled as the Red Sox are 3-7 through their first 10 games of the season. As a team, they have a 5.79 ERA and have only received one quality start from the rotation. Despite their struggles, the pitching has gotten some quality appearances, especially from Phillips Valdez.

The 28-year-old was claimed off waivers by Boston after Spring Training had already begun. He made his major league debut last year for the Texas Rangers and had a 3.94 ERA in 11 games. During that span, he was also able to strike out 18 batters in 16 innings of work.

Before joining the Rangers, Valdez was a top 25 prospect in the Washington Nationals’ organization. During his time with Washington, however, he never lived up to the expectations. Despite the adversity Valdez has faced, he is starting to carve out an important role in the Red Sox’ bullpen.

Advertisement

So far this season, Valdez has appeared in four games and has yet to allow a run. He has shown impressive control as he has allowed six hits and two walks. The former top prospect is holding batters to a .217 average and has yet to allow a home run.

Although the season has only just begun, Valdez has been one of the few arms that Boston can rely on. So far this season, he has been the most-used reliever on the roster and currently owns the second-lowest WHIP on the team.

Advertisement

As the Red Sox look towards the future, all of their players will be closely watched this season. Pitching is where the Red Sox will be looking to improve as David Price is now in Los Angeles and Chris Sale will not have appeared in a major league game in over a year when the 2021 season commences.

While the Red Sox are also currently without Eduardo Rodriguez, the 2020 season will evaluate who factors into the future. At the moment, Valdez is playing himself into those plans if he can keep up his impressive start.

Coming into the season, Valdez’s main weaknesses were his fastball command and his struggles against lefties. So far, he has improved in both aspects. As the season progresses, his workload will also be something to watch as Valdez only appeared in 11 games last season.

In a 2020 season that has so far been disappointing, the performances by Valdez have been a much-needed positive.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Check us out on our socials:   
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk 
Instagram: @primetimesportstalk

Advertisement

Share this:

MLB baseball - Arizona Fall League
Latest News

Arizona Fall League to Get Underway

The Arizona Fall League is set to get underway on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. Now entering its 32nd season, the league is a chance for top prospects to continue to hone and improve their skills. These prospects will get the opportunity to play with and against other rising stars from all over MiLB.

Read More
MLB Astros Mauricio Dubon bunting
Latest News

Bunting in MLB has Declined

Bunting in MLB has declined. Moreover, it has some wondering if this unique way to get a hit or move a runner up will become a thing of the past. There is a time and a place to lay down the bunt for a hit or to move the runner along, but managers today are using it less and less.

Read More

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Browse by Category:
Advertisement
Advertisement

Visit ChiefsBlitz.com for
hard-hitting KC Chiefs coverage.