With Josh Beckett returning to the team on Saturday in Seattle the Red Sox have decided to carry an extra starting pitcher on their staff. For the time being - until at least the all-star break- they'll use a 6 man rotation.
It's a tricky situation for those involved and carries a number of positives as well as negatives.
The biggest positive is that Franklin Morales will continue his audition as a starter. He's had three very successful starts for the Sox since filling in for Josh Beckett on June 17th. Morales has pitched 18 innings in three starts and has only allowed a total of 5 runs (4 earned) while striking out 24 and issuing only 3 free passes.
It also means that Aaron Cook will stay in the rotation, again for the time being. Cook has made 2 starts since being activated from the DL himself. He's coming of a two-hit shutout of the Mariners on June 29th.
Another positive is the fact that it will reduce the number of innings being pitched by the starting staff. Doubront and Morales have each made less than 20 career starts in the Majors. Limiting innings pitched for young starters seems to be an emerging trend in baseball (see Stephen Strasburg). Meanwhile Beckett, Dice-K and Cook have all been on the DL this season and limiting their innings may prevent further injuries.
The negatives? It means Lester and Beckett will pitch less. Take your pick of any of the other four starters and Beckett or Lester are more likely to give you a chance to win on any given night.
It also means changing up routines. Pitchers are creatures of habit and all of them have routines in between starts. Having a six man rotation coupled with off days and some of these guys could be pitching once a week. That's something that none of them are used to.
However, above all else it seems like it could be a good idea for one very important reason: depth. The Red Sox starting staff has been decimated by injuries this season. Having someone who could step in (without needing to sign or trade for someone new) will likely aid them in their efforts to make the postseason.
It also provides an interesting decision when Clay Buchholz returns. There is no way the Sox will go to a 7 man rotation. It means 1, and at some point 2, guy(s) will be sent to either the bullpen or the minors. The Red Sox could use the pitching depth to make additions at the trade deadline. There will be no shortage of teams looking for starting pitching.
It's the first time this season injuries have proven to be helpful. It's given some unlikely pitchers the chance to prove what they can do.
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