Tyler Thornburg Could Have Shot At Closer Role
6 years agoBoston Red Sox relief pitcher Tyler Thornburg (shoulder), who was shut down last September due to complications from thoracic outlet syndrome, could be a wild card in the team's bullpen this year. His injury in 2018 led to him allowing 15 earned runs in just 24 innings all year. The hard-throwing right hasn't been healthy since 2015, but the Red Sox are talking about him being a solution in the ninth inning. They are expected to lose last year's closer Craig Kimbrel in free agency. Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier might be the favorites for closing chances right now, but Thornburg might have the most upside if he's healthy. Heath Hembree could also be a candidate for a late-inning role. Thornburg is already throwing five to six times a week in anticipation of earning a roster spot this spring. Barnes is probably your best bet if you're speculating for saves late in drafts, but this bullpen could still change barring a free-agent signing.
Source: Boston Herald - Jason Mastrodonato
Source: Boston Herald - Jason Mastrodonato