Brandon Workman has not had an easy major league career since making his MLB debut during the 2013 season. After a solid rookie campaign it seemed as if he had a secured spot in the Red Sox rotation. His second season did not go as well. In fifteen starts he had one win and ten losses. The Sox as a team struggled in 2014 and sent Workman down to get a look at their other prospects. He did not return to the majors until last season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Last year, the right-hander proved to be an effective reliever, and since his recent recall that has not changed.
Workman’s Early Days
In 2013, Workman appeared in twenty games including three starts. The following season the Sox tried to make the righthander a starter, and he recorded a 5.17 ERA. He gave up fifty earned runs in eighty-seven innings of work. The 2014 campaign was a season that Workman was ready to turn the page on, and things only got worse in 2015. Workman began the season in Pawtucket, and after trying to put off surgery he had Tommy John, ruling him out for the rest of the season and all of 2016. He returned to the majors last year and reminded people of what they had missed.
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Workman Makes His Return
When the Red Sox recalled Workman last year, many did not know what to expect. The right-hander was out to prove his doubters wrong, and did exactly that. In thirty appearances he recorded an ERA of 3.18. In thirty-nine innings, he struck out thirty-seven batters and held opponents to a 2.52 average. Before last year the lowest average he held batters to was .263. Workman did not make an appearance in the playoffs, but it was still his most effective season by far.
Photo Credit: AP Photo Michael Dwyer
What to Expect Going Forward
Workman did not begin the season on the Opening Day roster. The Red Sox recalled him on June 5th and he has been very effective. In five innings he has five strikeouts and has not allowed a run. How long Workman stays in Boston is unknown as he was recalled to fill in for an injured Drew Pomeranz. If he can keep pitching like he has, then it may be very hard to send him down once Pomeranz returns. For the Red Sox it is not the worst problem to have.