Red Sox reliever is adjusting to the new pitching regime already.
Josh Winckowski found solace in the bullpen with the Boston Red Sox in 2023, leading to a breakout season.
The right-hander posted a 2.88 ERA with 60 appearances and three saves, pitching multiple innings at a high level in a talented Red Sox bullpen.New styles and philosophies are coming to the Red Sox organization this offseason through baseball manager Craig Breslow,
pitching coach Andrew Bailey and pitching manager Justin Willard.”It’s definitely a big change,” Winckowski told reporters Saturday during the Red Sox’ winter weekend at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. “There were already a lot of them in pitching programs. We’re trying new things and having a lot of conversations.”Previously, as a pitching coach for the Red Sox, Bailey talked about adjusting a pitcher’s repertoire and unleashing new potential when a new pitch is identified and capitalized on.
Winckowski noted. he discussed selection of pitch with Bailey.He wanted to delve into the analytical side. ,” added Winckowski. “Discussions with Bailey have been very good so far. They have been quite productive.”In the right unconventional model, Winckowski was better against lefties than righties in 2023. Opposing lefties hit .239 with a .609 OPS against Winckowski, while righties hit .
287 with an .813 OPS.As a result, Winckowski targets certain throws against opponents in his game plan. He worked well with the cutter against left-handed hitters in 2023, throwing 35% of the time. Winckowski told reporters he would like to find a two-strike pitch to better attack right-handed hitters. The 4,444 Red Sox righty was dominated by a hard-sinking machine that often reached 98 mph on top of a strong sweeper. For further growth in 2024, Winckowski continues to evaluate his pitching with Bailey and the new Red Sox brain trust.The Red Sox will count heavily on Winckowski in 2024, whether back in the bullpen or in the starting rotation, a role he confirmed before spring training..
