Advertisement
Advertisement

Red Sox Bolster Bullpen With Diekman, Strahm

Red Sox
Advertisement

MLB teams have been busy adding to their rosters now that the lockout is over. One team that has made headlines on the pitching market is the Boston Red Sox. On Sunday, they added two relievers in Jake Diekman on a two-year deal and Matt Strahm on a one-year deal. Boston still has more holes to fill, but their bullpen has received two upgrades.

While Strahm and Diekman have 16 years of experience combined, the latter is more well-known. In 456 innings of work, he has posted a 3.73 ERA while striking out 581 batters. Over the past three years, he has been particularly effective as his 3.25 ERA with Oakland is his best mark with any team. That is a welcoming sign for a Red Sox bullpen that struggled at times last season. Diekman also brings some closer experience with 35 saves on his resume.

Although Diekman has been in the majors longer, Strahm is an intriguing piece. The West Fargo native has a 3.81 career ERA and has held opponents to a .236 batting average. While he posted an 8.10 ERA last season, he was limited to six appearances due to injuries. The former 21st-round pick has excellent control and brings versatility. 25 of his 157 appearances have come out of the rotation.

Advertisement

What roles Diekman and Strahm will play

With Opening Day only weeks away, the Red Sox bullpen will look different than just a few months ago. They have addressed one of their biggest holes with money to spare. The new additions should help take the pressure off of closer Matt Barnes, who struggled in the second half last year and is looking to retake the closer role.

As the Red Sox eye a postseason return, how their relievers perform will be essential. Alex Cora has five lefties to choose from, and Diekman brings 12 innings of playoff experience. That will be key later in the season in a division full of talent. More moves could be on the horizon, but Boston’s newest arms shouldn’t have to wait long to prove their value.

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

Follow Jamie Gatlin On Twitter @JamieGatlin17

Main Image Credit: 

Embed from Getty Images

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

2 Responses

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.