Red Sox lefty Zach Penrod’s elbow injury casts shadow on promising season
Zach Penrod is the emerging left-handed pitching prospect for the Boston Red Sox. His season starts uncertainly. A recent elbow injury, which occurred after he entered spring training in high hopes to become a major member of the Red Sox’s bullpen has put his 2020 campaign in doubt.
Alex Cora, the manager of the team spoke to the media Thursday and revealed that the pitcher had undergone an MRI because he was experiencing pain in his elbow. Team is waiting for the results and an update should be available soon.
Reports suggest that the situation may be worse than first thought. Chris Cotillo, of MassLive reports that sources familiar with the situation are concerned about possible ligament damage. This could lead to a long absence for the young pitching. The Red Sox bullpen is now in doubt, especially with regards to the Red Sox having no reliable options for lefties beyond Aroldischapman.
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Cora emphasized the importance of Penrod in the team’s plans, stating, “Hopefully everything’s OK… With the lefties, we’ve got (Chapman), we’ve got (Justin) Wilson. We’ve got Bernie (Brennan Bernardino). We’ve got Penrod… (He) is part of the equation.” Red Sox has always tried to increase their pitching options for lefties.
As a result of Penrod’s injuries, it is reported that the Boston Red Sox signed Matt Moore as a left-handed veteran to a minor-league contract. This could be viewed as bolstering.
Penrod’s journey to the Majors
Zach Penrod is 27 years old and his journey to the big leagues was a testimony to persistence. As a non-drafted free agent, he initially signed for the Texas Rangers in 2018. Tommy John Surgery derailed his baseball career in the year following. In the three years following his release in 2020 he spent honing skills in independent baseball leagues. In 2023 the Red Sox signed him, which marked a pivotal point in his baseball career.
Penrod made a rapid rise in the Red Sox prospects rankings. SoxProspects.com has ranked him number 20 for his performances. In September last year, he was able to make his Major League Debut, and posted a 2.25 ERA over seven relief appearances. This showed his talent, as well as solidifying his future role with the Red Sox.
Penrod, who is well-known for his explosive rawness, has command issues that suggest he may be more suited to the role of a pitcher than as a starter. The Red Sox are still focused on Penrod’s development, but only if his arm injury is not serious. Penrod, the Red Sox’s bullpen and their fans hope that his elbow injury isn’t severe. He represents an important potential asset to them for next season and beyond.
As the MLB season approaches, his situation will be a story that you should closely monitor.