On Tuesday afternoon, the Boston Red Sox traded left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations, just three days after designating him for assignment. This transaction marks a return to Oakland for Newcomb, who previously spent a year and a half with the Athletics before joining Boston.
Background on Sean Newcomb’s Journey to Boston
Newcomb, a Massachusetts native and alumnus of Middleborough High School, signed with the Red Sox this offseason on a minor league deal. Due to injuries among Boston’s pitching staff during spring training, Newcomb earned a spot on the team’s major league roster out of camp. Throughout the season, he has served both as a starter and a bullpen option for the Red Sox.
Performance and Role with the Red Sox
During his time in Boston, Newcomb appeared in 12 games, starting five of them. Over 41 innings pitched, he struggled to secure wins, holding a 0-4 record, but maintained a respectable 3.95 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP. His left-handed pitching offered flexibility in the Red Sox rotation and relief corps, though the team’s improving health may have influenced the decision to move him.
Context for the Trade Within Boston’s Pitching Staff
The Red Sox rotation is beginning to recover from recent injuries, with rookie right-hander Richard Fitts expected to return from the injured list soon. Fitts, who started three games before suffering a pectoral strain in mid-April, will likely take a roster spot formerly occupied by reliever Zack Kelly, who was optioned to the minor leagues on Monday. This roster adjustment cleared the way for Newcomb’s departure.
Newcomb’s Career Path and Future Outlook
Sean Newcomb’s professional journey began when he was selected in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since then, he has pitched for the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs, in addition to his two stints with the Athletics. Returning to Oakland offers Newcomb an opportunity to reestablish himself in a familiar environment as the season progresses.