Drake Britton has looked solid for Boston in limited action this season. Credit: Getty Images
With the Red Sox in the midst of a recent slump and having fallen out of first place in the American League East, they will surely be looking for players to potentially add to their roster before this Wednesday’s trade deadline.
Though instead of giving up valuable prospects for players who could very well just be around for two months, the Sox could seriously consider not making a major deal at the deadline and depend on some of their young talent currently making an impact. Two such players to watch in the next few days are Drake Britton and starter Brandon Workman.
The 24-year-old Britton is a left-handed pitcher who had been exclusively a starter before being called up to the Red Sox right before the All-Star break. Manager John Farrell has said he will now be used only as a reliever and in just four appearances he hasn’t allowed a run and just two hits.
“He’s found a way to pitch in the moment,” said Portland Sea Dogs pitching coach Bob Kipper, who has helped guide Britton in the minors. “Everyone finds their way of doing that and it’s one of those things that doesn’t happen over night, it happens in time.”
For Britton, his success will depend on his ability to adjust to the new routines that come with changing from being a starter to a reliever.
“It’s all about preparation and finding routines that work,” Kipper said. “I’m sure he’s going through that adjustment and without being there it sure looks like he’s making the adjustment pretty well.”
The other player who could be in Boston’s plans going forward is Workman, who has filled in nicely as the No. 5 starter of late and could continue in the role until Clay Buchholz returns.
Workman, 24, has started two games for the Sox and has allowed just four runs over 12 1/3 innings. From Workman’s two seasons in Portland, Kipper knows the Red Sox have a good one in the young right-hander.
“He’s a bulldog, he has a way of caring without caring, he is a very intense competitor,” Kipper said. “He has the ability to command his fastball here in Boston and we’re seeing that personality on the mound that he’s not intimated with being on this stage. “
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Red Sox will need to make some quick decisions, but Britton and Workman have done their part in showing the organization they have what it takes to pitch at the big league level.
Follow Metro Red Sox beat writer Ryan Hannable on Twitter @hannable84
