The Boston Red Sox have made a notable roster change, sending struggling right-handed reliever Greg Weissert to Triple-A Worcester. This decision comes in light of Weissert’s recent performance, where he allowed 13 runs (eight earned) across 13 hits and eight walks over just 11⅔ innings in July. The move was announced just before the Red Sox secured a decisive 14-7 victory against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park.
Weissert’s statistics tell a story of inconsistency, as he carried a 4.24 ERA and a 1.436 WHIP, while managing to strike out 47 batters in 46⅔ innings pitched. Manager Alex Cora addressed Weissert’s struggles, particularly with his slider, which has not been performing as expected. “For as good as his slider is, he wasn’t getting swings and misses,” Cora explained. “He wasn’t getting ahead. He threw strikes, but there are a few things that they’re going to work on. This is not about him going down and dominating Triple-A hitters; it’s more about making adjustments with the slider.”
In analyzing Weissert’s slider, the statistics reveal a concerning trend. Opponents have hit .333 against this pitch, with a staggering .778 slugging percentage—the highest among all his offerings. Furthermore, he has only induced an 8 percent whiff rate on the slider, which is the lowest of his pitch arsenal. Despite the slider averaging 6.6 inches of horizontal break—slightly above average—Weissert’s overall contact percentage across all pitches stands at around 80 percent, which exceeds the league average.
In the wake of this decision, Cora emphasized the importance of communication and strategy. “It was a really good conversation with pitching coach Andrew Bailey and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow,” he noted. “They presented the information to him, and he’s better than this.” The Red Sox are hopeful that this stint in Triple-A will allow Weissert to refine his skills and return to the major leagues more effective.
The Red Sox have been navigating a challenging season, and the performance of their bullpen has been under scrutiny. As the team continues to strive for consistency, adjustments such as this one are critical. The organization is focusing on player development and ensuring that their pitchers can perform at their best when called upon.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Weissert responds to this opportunity for growth. The Red Sox are committed to fostering talent and making the necessary adjustments to enhance their competitive edge in the league.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Red Sox face a crucial period where decisions will need to be made regarding player acquisitions and roster adjustments. The performance of pitchers like Weissert will play a significant role in determining the direction the team takes as they aim for a successful conclusion to the season.
As the team moves forward, the focus will be on building a robust bullpen that can support the starting rotation and secure victories in tight games. The Red Sox organization remains optimistic about their prospects, with a commitment to developing their players and making strategic moves that will benefit the team in the long run.
