Astonishingly, Red Sox rookie ready for a starting rotation spot because of…

Red Sox Newcomer Prepared For Role As Starting Pitcher

Outside of signing Lucas Giolito, the Boston Red Sox didn’t make any notable upgrades to their starting rotation this offseason.

But an unheralded signing this winter could prove to bring added depth to the rotation.

Cooper Criswell, who signed a one-year deal worth a reported $1 million with the Red Sox in December, has only pitched in 12 big-league games in his career with two of those being starts. All 10 of the right-hander’s outings with the Tampa Bay Rays this past season came as a reliever, but the Red Sox want Criswell ready to take on a starting role as he ramps up for a new season.

“They want me to come to spring training prepared to be a starter,” Criswell told reporters at Winter Weekend, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “Just because it’s easier if they want to move me into a bulk role out of the bullpen or even a reliever. Obviously it’s easier to transition from a starter to a reliever rather than a reliever to a starter. So I’m going to be geared up, ready for spring training to go as a starter.”

Criswell does have experience as a starter, but it hasn’t come in the majors. The 27-year-old made 17 starts for Triple-A Durham last season, posting a 4-4 record with a 3.93 ERA to go along with 80 strikeouts in 84 2/3 innings. He also registered two saves.