Red Sox Reinstate Zach Penrod, Option to Triple-A Worcester

The Boston Red Sox made a notable move by reinstating left-hander Zach Penrod from the 60-day injured list and sending him to Triple-A Worcester. Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported this decision, which doesn’t change Boston’s active roster but does fill up their 40-man roster.

Earlier, the Red Sox opened a roster spot by designating lefty Sean Newcomb for assignment. Penrod, turning 28 next month, debuted in the majors last year, pitching four innings over seven appearances and putting up a 2.25 ERA.

Health problems have thrown a wrench into his current season. Elbow soreness led to an MRI and landed him on the 60-day IL.

He’s finally started a rehab assignment, so he’s at least on the path back. For now, Penrod gives the Red Sox some much-needed left-handed pitching depth.

Table of Contents

The Journey Back: Zach Penrod’s Rehabilitation

Penrod’s road to recovery hasn’t been easy. Elbow soreness during spring training forced him out, and while the MRI showed just inflammation, he still missed a big chunk of time.

Manager Alex Cora said Penrod would sit out for a while, and the team placed him on the 60-day injured list on Opening Day with an elbow sprain. Despite all that, his rehab has started to show some positive signs.

He began pitching in rehab games over the weekend, which suggests he’s getting close to full health. He’ll need a few more outings before the team thinks about a call-up, but just seeing him back on the mound is a good sign for Boston.

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Penrod’s Major League Debut

Last season, Penrod’s major league debut was brief but eye-catching. In seven appearances, he logged four innings and posted a 2.25 ERA.

Sure, it’s a tiny sample, but it showed he might have something to offer. He struck out three and walked four, showing flashes of control and effectiveness, even if he didn’t get much of a chance to settle in.

Impact on the Red Sox Roster

Bringing Penrod back doesn’t shake up Boston’s active roster, but it does complete their 40-man. The move came after Sean Newcomb was designated for assignment, opening the door for Penrod’s return.

With Penrod in Triple-A Worcester, the Red Sox can keep a close eye on his progress. If he keeps trending upward and finds his groove, a call-up isn’t out of the question, and he could give the pitching staff a boost when needed.

Performance in the Minor Leagues

So far in 2024, Penrod has thrown 62 2/3 innings in the minors, putting up a 4.16 ERA. His strikeout rate sits at an impressive 34.8%, but the 12.4% walk rate? Yeah, that’s something he’ll want to clean up.

Those numbers show some real promise, but there’s still work to do if he wants to stick in the big leagues.

Future Outlook for Zach Penrod

Looking ahead, Penrod could carve out a meaningful role with the Red Sox if he stays healthy and keeps improving. A lefty with major league experience—even if it’s limited—always has some value, and there’s a sense he could contribute at a higher level.

The Red Sox will probably play it safe, making sure Penrod is completely ready before they call him up. His performance in Triple-A will tell the story.

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Managerial Perspective

Manager Alex Cora sounds pretty optimistic about Penrod’s recovery and what he might bring to the table. Cora tends to focus on player health and making sure guys are truly ready, so he’ll give Penrod every chance to get right before putting him back in the mix.

Conclusion

The Red Sox just reinstated Zach Penrod from the 60-day injured list. It’s a big step for him as he works his way back to the mound.

Right now, he’s with Triple-A Worcester. Honestly, he probably won’t make a huge splash on the active roster immediately, but he does add some much-needed depth.

Penrod’s rehab and how he performs in the minors will really decide if he gets another shot in the majors. The Red Sox will keep a close eye on him as the season rolls on, hoping he can eventually help out their pitching staff.

If you want all the details on Penrod’s reinstatement and the Red Sox’s roster changes, check out the full article on MLB Trade Rumors.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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