With Spring Training only weeks away, the Red Sox will be looking to turn the page on last season. The Red Sox finished last in the AL East as injuries and inconsistency plagued them. One bright, however, was the performance of Nathan Eovaldi. The veteran starter was able to bounce back after a forgettable 2019 campaign in which he posted a 5.99 ERA. As Boston eyes a postseason return, they will need Eovaldi to repeat his 2020 performance.
Additionally, in nine starts last year, Eovaldi posted a 3.72 ERA. The Texas native was able to strike out 52 batters in 48.1 innings of work. After struggling with control the year before, Eovaldi limited the longball and only allowed eight home runs. On a Red Sox pitching staff besieged by injuries, Eovaldi was one of the few reliable arms.
)
Furthermore, Eovaldi was dominant down the stretch. In three September starts, the former 11th-round pick only allowed one earned run. In that span, he was able to strike out 19 batters in 14 innings of work. After posting a 6.17 ERA in August, the Red Sox starter was nearly unhittable in September as he posted a 0.64 ERA.
Although Eovaldi shined in 2020, his role will be different this upcoming season. Chris Sale may be back as early as May and Eduardo Rodriguez is expected to be healthy to start the season, giving the Red Sox a much-needed boost. Eovaldi will most likely be the number three starter, depending on what other moves are made. His performance last year, however, showed that he was finally living up to his potential.
What Was Different For Eovaldi Last Year
In 2020 Eovaldi posted a career-high strikeout rate of 9.7. When the Red Sox needed him to be an ace, Eovaldi stepped up and had a career year even though it was a shortened season. His 3.72 ERA was also his lowest since 2013, his third season in the majors. However, Eovaldi’s control was the most impressive improvement as he only walked seven batters all year.
)
Additionally, Eovaldi threw strikes 53.6 percent of the time, which was the second-highest rate of his career. Even when he did miss the strike zone, the Texas native got opponents to chase pitches out of the zone. While Eovaldi is known for his ability to throw 100 MPH, his secondary pitches improved, making him a more complete pitcher. For a player that looked lost the year before, Eovaldi’s success was a positive storyline for Boston.
What To Expect In 2021
For Eolavdi to duplicate his success, he will need to continue last season’s trends. The Red Sox righty will also have to stay healthy, which has been an issue throughout his career. If he can, then Nathan Eovaldi may have another career year in store for 2021.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow Jamie Gatlin On Twitter @JamieGatlin17
Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
