Red Sox right-hander Quinn Priester is set to make his major league debut on Sunday, according to Christopher Smith from MassLive. Currently part of the taxi squad, Priester could be promoted to start the team’s final game of the season against the Rays.
The 24-year-old was traded from the Pirates for infielder Nick Yorke just before the trade deadline. Both players were once highly regarded prospects whose careers had slowed, yet they were on the verge of breaking into the majors. Priester has already pitched 94 2/3 innings with Pittsburgh, while Yorke has recently debuted with the Pirates, hitting 7-for-31 with a home run, two stolen bases, and two walks in his first nine games.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora indicated that Priester has a “good chance” of starting the season finale. Priester is expected to showcase improved velocity compared to his time with the Pirates, having averaged a full tick higher on his fastball during a recent Triple-A start.
The Red Sox are optimistic that adjustments made to Priester’s mechanics will translate into better performance at the major league level heading into 2025. Despite a challenging season with a 5.04 ERA at Pittsburgh, Priester has shown promise with a 3.75 ERA and a 26.2% strikeout rate in his last eight starts at Triple-A.
If Priester can establish himself, it would be a significant boost for Boston’s 2025 rotation plans. The team currently boasts a solid 3.77 ERA in its rotation, largely due to Tanner Houck’s breakout season. However, with veteran Nick Pivetta likely departing in free agency, the rotation may rely on Houck, Kutter Crawford, and Brayan Bello next year.
Lucas Giolito and Garrett Whitlock are expected to return from injury, but their status for Opening Day remains uncertain, which may lead the Red Sox to consider depth options like Priester early in the season if they don’t enhance the rotation through free agency.
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