The Boston Red Sox recalled catcher Blake Sabol and right-handed pitcher Josh Winckowski from Triple-A Worcester on April 8. In corresponding moves, catcher Connor Wong was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left fifth finger fracture. And right-handed pitcher Robert Stock was designated for assignment.
Red Sox Place Connor Wong on IL, Recall Sabol
Connor Wong left at the top of the second inning of Boston’s 6-2 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 7 after fracturing his left pinkie. One inning prior, he was called for catcher’s interference after right-fielder George Springer’s bat hit his glove. Wong remained in the game but was soon replaced by Carlos Narvaez. The Red Sox’s primary catcher is hitting a miserable .087/.192/.087 with zero runs scored, RBI, or home runs.
Narvaez looks to receive most of the playing time behind the plate while Connor Wong is out. The former New York Yankee is batting an impressive .333/.455/.500 over five games. He also has three doubles, four RBI, and has drawn four walks.
Blake Sabol, who spent the past two seasons with the San Francisco Giants, will spell Narvaez as needed. Through six games with Worcester, he’s hit .250/.400/.350 with two doubles, four RBI, five walks, and a stolen base. However, according to Tyler Milliken, the catcher is a “rough blocker behind the plate” and has allowed 14 stolen bases this season alone.
Boston Recalls Winckowski, DFA’s Stock
After failing to make the Red Sox’s opening day roster, Josh Winckowski has continued to struggle at Worcester. He sports a 4.50 ERA through six innings but has recorded nine strikeouts and only issued one walk. Though not exactly stellar, those numbers are a vast improvement over his Spring Training stats. He posted a 15.43 ERA over seven innings across five appearances this preseason, allowing 12 runs, 15 hits, two home runs, and six walks. He struck out four.
However, manager Alex Cora sees Winckowski as an improvement over Robert Stock. On April 7, the 35-year-old right-hander made his first MLB appearance since 2021. He went two innings, giving up three hits, a walk, and an earned run. He did not record a strikeout.
The journeyman has a strong cult following, and news of his DFA was met with heartfelt words of support from fans. Many commenters hope Stock will go unclaimed and return to the Red Sox bullpen soon. His unorthodox throwing motion makes him an intriguing option in later innings, and he could provide needed depth as the season progresses.
Main Photo Credits: Chris Tilley-Imagn Images
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