Red Sox Make Roster Moves as Injuries Mount
In a series of roster changes, the Boston Red Sox have optioned right-handed pitcher Cooper Criswell to Triple-A Worcester while promoting fellow righty Robert Stock, who was added to the 40-man roster. The move comes after the team placed pitcher Josh Winckowski on the 60-day injured list due to a right elbow flexor strain. Winckowski hasn’t pitched since May 11 and was recalled from Worcester to be eligible for the IL.
Manager Alex Cora acknowledged the challenges surrounding the team’s pitching staff, saying, “We shut him down a while ago,” referring to Winckowski. Both Criswell and fellow pitcher Zack Kelly stepped up in a game against the Yankees, where Criswell pitched three innings with a single run allowed, while Kelly followed with two scoreless innings. Cora praised Criswell’s performance, stating, “He did a good job for us the last two games. But we needed a fresh arm.”
Stock’s return marks a second chance for the pitcher, who had a brief stint with the Red Sox earlier in the season. On April 7, he allowed one run over two innings before being designated for assignment the following day. He was then outrighted back to Worcester, where he has since posted impressive numbers, including a 3.09 ERA over 12 games with 55 ⅓ innings pitched.
These adjustments are pivotal for the Red Sox as they navigate their pitching challenges while striving for performance consistency in the ongoing season.
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