Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Red Sox Make Pitching Move After 19-Run Outburst

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated May 24, 2025 10:41 AM ET

For his sake, Boston Red Sox pitcher Zach Penrod should hope he gets nearly 20 runs of support when he rejoins the big-league club.

Hours after a 19-5 blowout win over the Baltimore Orioles, the Red Sox sent Penrod to the Florida Complex League on a rehab assignment. Penrod, who turns 27 on June 16, suffered an elbow sprain during spring training but managed to avoid surgery.

It is unclear when Penrod could eventually return to the majors. He appeared in line for a bullpen spot before his February injury.

Penrod posted a 2.25 ERA across four innings over seven games last year. In years past, Penrod would have perfectly fit the role of a LOOGY, or Left-handed One-Out Guy.

Red Sox fans of a certain age will remember Mike Myers and Javier López as LOOGYs from the 2000s. However, the three-batter minimum essentially encouraged teams to ditch the left-handed specialist.

Although Penrod posted a 2.80 ERA and 53-13 K-BB ratio over 35.1 innings and seven starts at Double-A Portland last year, he eventually moved to the bullpen following a promotion. It appears the Red Sox will keep Penrod in a relief role moving forward.

Penrod is 10-5 with a 3.98 ERA in 95 innings over 30 minor-league games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: