PT TOMORROW: AL East—Eovaldi closer nod answers one question but raises others in BOS

Boston Red Sox

According to local press reports, the Red Sox plan to use Nathan Eovaldi (RHP, BOS) as their closer once he is ready to return from the disabled list, which is expected to happen shortly after the All-Star Break.

Eovaldi has only pitched 14 innings as a reliever in his career (5 ER, 9 H, 10 BB, 9 K), not including his epic six-inning effort in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series. His 97-mph fastball at least has the look of a weapon in a closer’s arsenal, though it is perhaps worth noting that Eovaldi’s strikeout rates, while steadily increasing, have yet to reach elite levels. 

The hope is that the prospect of shorter outings will both get Eovaldi back on a major league mound more quickly and help to keep him healthy. Also...

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