Danny Coulombe, Greg Weissert emerging as growing concern for Red Sox bullpen depth originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox have now lost their second series to the Atlanta Braves, and are now playing tonight to avoid the sweep. The thing is, the game last night was totally winnable, until their relievers blew it.
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The two worst offenders were two of the Red Sox’s veterans: Danny Coulombe and Greg Weissert. Coulombe loaded up the bases with three walks, Weissert replaced him, and immediately gave up a grand slam to Ronald Acuna Jr.
The Red Sox used to have the second-best bullpen in baseball, until they sent down two of their best relievers. Now, it’s time to fix that by ridding themselves of Coulombe and Weissert.
Coulombe is a failed experiment
Danny Coulombe
© Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The Red Sox signed Coulombe during spring training, as they needed a lefty to replace Steven Matz. So far this year, he’s been horrible. He’s posted a record 0-2, a 7.20 ERA, seven Ks, and a WHIP of 1.600 in 15 games; far from his 2.64 ERA from the past five seasons.
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A couple weeks ago, he was given a possible phantom IL stint with cervical spasms, and was replaced with rookie Tyler Samaniego, who was elite for Boston. Then, he was optioned to AAA upon Coulombe’s return.
Weissert finally broke the camel’s back
Greg Weissert
© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Weissert has been the bane of many Sox fans for his entire tenure, as his ability to pitch well in high-stress situations is dubious at best. This season, he’s 0-1 with a 4.43 ERA, 21 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.433 in 24 games.
Weissert has been hailed a glue guy for the roster, but enough is enough. Even fans are totally fed up with him, and the Sox’s constant use of him which Boston defends.
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At this point, sending him down to AAA to see if he can get any better might be the best course of action.
The solution is drastic but definitely needed
Greg Weissert
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
The solution is extreme, but easy: cut Coulombe, and option Weissert to AAA. That way, they can bring back Samaniego, and call up Zack Kelly again, who was sent down for Tyron Guerrero.
Guerrero is another reliever in the hot seat, but his small sample size gives him some room to work. Coulombe and Weissert, on the other hand, are at the end of their rope. And if the Sox want to contend, they need to cut the deadweight.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
