Here’s a little blast from the past. Former Braves top prospect Sean Newcomb received an invite to Spring Training from the Boston Red Sox.
The lumbering lefty last pitched in Atlanta in 2022 after a really promising start to his career. He’s bounced around since, pitching for the Cubs, Athletics, and various minor-league organizations without much success, including a 6.30 ERA last season over seven appearances for Oakland. However, the now 31-year-old has been the Red Sox’s top pitcher of the spring, boasting a 0.93 ERA over 9.2 innings, averaging over a strikeout per inning with a WHIP of 0.83.
Entering Spring Training, Sean Newcomb making the Red Sox Opening Day roster might have been a 100/1 longshot. He hasn’t been a reliable major-league pitcher in a half-decade, and Boston spent a lot of resources bolstering their rotation significantly this offseason. However, they already have three starting pitchers that will begin the season on the IL, opening up the door for Newcomb, who has done just about all he can to earn an opportunity.
Sean Newcomb has always had the stuff to make it at the top level. Like so many arms that never reach their full potential, control has been the problem throughout his career. Over 431 major-league innings, he’s averaging nearly five walks per nine innings. Those numbers are down significantly this spring, which might be what ultimately convinces the Red Sox to give him a chance. It would be helluva story too, given Newcomb grew up in Middleborough, Massachusetts and would be making his return with his hometown team.
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Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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