Alex Cora shuts down 6-man rotation despite injury issues

 2023 Boston Red Sox in Review: Brayan Bello - Over the Monster


    Despite early injury concerns to starters Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford, Alex Cora shut down the idea of starting the year with a six man rotation.

    Speaking Friday, Cora said, "[A six man rotation] is a conversation for when everyone is healthy. You cannot protect everyone. We've got some guys in the bullpen that we need to protect too. I think versatility and multi-inning relievers will benefit this team probably better than a six-man rotation."

    With Bello reportedly being on track for opening day, the rotation will likely consist of Bello, Tanner Houck, Lucas Giolito, and newcomers Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler. Kutter Crawford, who led the team in starts and innings pitched last year, is not expected to be ready by opening day as he deals with knee issues. He figures to be inserted into the rotation when healthy. 

    Cora's remarks on multi-inning relievers also gives us some insight on what looks to be a crowded bullpen. Cora intends to use Whitlock as a multi-inning guy this year, but it is unclear how much Whitlock will be able to throw early in the season coming off the internal brace procedure. Josh Wincowksi, who operated as a started in AAA following his demotion last season, is someone Cora could turn to for a few innings of work. Righty Cooper Criswell could also be converted to a multi-inning reliever after losing his spot in the rotation. 

    Premier Red Sox arms Justin Slaten, Liam Hendriks, and Aroldis Chapman are all late-inning, high leverage guys, so it will be interesting to see how Cora builds his bullpen around them.     


   

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