Zach Penrod had high hopes entering spring training to establish himself as one of the top left-handed pitchers in the Boston Red Sox bullpen. However, his season may be in jeopardy as he recently underwent an MRI for soreness in his throwing elbow. Manager Alex Cora indicated that the team was awaiting the results and expressed concern over potential ligament damage that could lead to an extended absence for Penrod.
The uncertainty surrounding Penrod’s injury raises questions about the Red Sox bullpen, which is lacking reliable left-handed options beyond Aroldis Chapman. Cora acknowledged the importance of having quality lefties in the bullpen and mentioned other pitchers like Justin Wilson and Bernie Bernardino as potential options. The signing of veteran lefty Matt Moore to a minor league contract on Thursday further highlights the team’s efforts to bolster their pitching depth.
Despite the setback of his injury, Penrod has shown promise since being signed by the Red Sox in 2023. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2019, he worked his way up through the minor leagues and made his debut with the team last September. His impressive performance in relief appearances demonstrated his potential, even though control issues have been a concern. If his current arm injury is not severe, Penrod could still be a key player to watch in the future.
The 27-year-old left-hander’s journey to the major leagues has been a challenging one, as he was initially signed as an undrafted free agent by the Texas Rangers in 2018 before being released in 2020. Penrod then spent three years pitching for independent league teams before catching the attention of the Red Sox. His rapid rise through the team’s prospect rankings and successful debut last season have solidified his place in the organization, pending the outcome of his current injury.
The Red Sox’s decision to sign Moore as insurance for Penrod’s potential absence reflects their commitment to maintaining a strong bullpen. Cora emphasized the importance of competition and depth in pitching, especially with the unpredictability of injuries. Despite the uncertainties surrounding Penrod’s status, the team remains hopeful that he will recover and contribute to their bullpen depth in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Zach Penrod’s season with the Boston Red Sox is currently in limbo due to a potential arm injury that has raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming season. His promising performance in the minor leagues and positive debut in the majors highlight his potential as a valuable asset to the team’s bullpen. The Red Sox’s decision to sign veteran pitcher Matt Moore as a precautionary measure underscores their commitment to reinforcing their pitching staff. As Penrod awaits further evaluation on his injury, the team remains optimistic about his recovery and future contributions to the team.
