Red Sox Roster Move Provides Clarity on Fifth Starter

Priester's option leaves two pitchers on the Red Sox roster for the fifth rotation spot. Those two are left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb and right-handed pitcher Cooper Criswell.

Chris Cotillo, a Red Sox beat writer for Mass Live, identified Newcomb as the most likely fifth starter. The Spring Training stats for Newcomb and Criswell paint that same picture.

In nine and two-thirds innings pitched, Criswell has a 4.66 ERA, ten strikeouts, a 1.66 WHIP, and a one and two record. Newcomb has a 0.63 ERA in 14 and one-third innings pitched, with 13 strikeouts, a 0.84 WHIP, and a one and zero record.

Newcomb has had a much more productive Spring Training than Criswell and has the advantage in the final rotation spot. The 31-year-old has played his way to being named the Red Sox's fifth starter by multiple reports.

Priester's option clarified the final rotation spot. While the team has yet to officially announce it, all indications point toward Newcomb being the Red Sox's fifth starter on Opening Day.