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.
Phillips Valdez, disgusting two-seam pic.twitter.com/j9oonWVrgw
— Ben Porter (@Ben13Porter) August 20, 2019
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.
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.
Phillips Valdez has had a quietly dominant start of the 2020 season. He has yet to allow a run in his 6 innings of relief and his batting average against (.189!) ranks in the top 8% of the league.
His changeup is nasty, and can whiff both left and right handed hitters: pic.twitter.com/9fWI18Oouc
— Red Sox Gifs (@soxgifs) August 1, 2020
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.
