With the 2021 season only a few months away, the Boston Red Sox still have some question marks on their roster. While the offense is mostly set, the rotation and bullpen still need help. The Red Sox have had talks with some of the top free agents but have not made any significant additions. However, one player on the roster who could play an important role is Nick Pivetta. The Canadian native was acquired by Boston last season and was dominant after struggling with the Phillies.
Before being acquired by Boston, Pivetta had a 15.88 ERA in three appearances in 2020. With the Red Sox, Pivetta has been a completely different pitcher. In two starts, the former fourth-round pick posted a 1.80 ERA and struck out 13 batters. Despite allowing eight hits, the right-hander only gave up two earned runs, including one home run. Although the Red Sox would finish last in the AL East, Pivetta seemed like a perfect fit on his new team.
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Pivetta’s success was impressive after a rocky tenure with the Phillies. In four seasons in Philadelphia, he posted a 19-30 record. The twenty-seven-year-old also recorded a 5.50 ERA and allowed 72 home runs. Control was his biggest issue as he allowed more hits than innings pitched. In Boston, however, he has been able to limit his mistakes.
Additionally, so far in Pivetta’s Boston tenure, he has been better in almost every statistic. The righty’s strikeout rate improved to 11.7, which is the highest of his career. The Red Sox starter was also able to hold opponents to a .216 average in September after opponents hit .571 against him in August.
What To Expect In 2021
As Opening Day draws closer, Pivetta’s spot in the rotation is not guaranteed. After a last-place finish, Boston will most likely add a few veteran arms to improve their depth. His performance in September, however, gives him a good starting point when Spring Training begins.
To secure a spot, he will have to continue to improve his control. At the end of the 2020 season, he showed he could be effective when limiting home runs and walks. If Pivetta can do that, he will most likely earn a spot in the rotation as the number four or five starter. His continued improvement will also be key as Chris Sale and Eduardo Rodriguez‘s workloads will be watched closely after they missed all of 2020.
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Regardless of how the offseason plays out, Pivetta will be coming off his best stretch in the majors. If it continues, 2021 could be a big year for the the former fourth-round pick.
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