The Ryan Weber Era in Boston is over, at least for the foreseeable future. According to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox have sent the right-handed starter to their minor league camp in Pawtucket. In his place, the team has promoted pitcher Dylan Covey.
Ryan Weber Optioned to Pawtucket
Boston’s biggest issue entering the season was the lack of starting pitching, and Ryan Weber was a big reason for that worry. Weber pitched 40.2 innings for the 2019 Red Sox, and left a lot to be desired. During his time on the mound, Weber allowed a 5.09 ERA, 4.20 FIP, and a 4.56 xFIP. Despite his struggles, Red Sox management seemed comfortable with going into the season with him as the number three starter.
It didn’t work out. Weber made three starts for the Red Sox, going just 10 innings total. While on the hill, Weber allowed an atrocious 9.90 ERA, 11.60 FIP, and a 7.97 xFIP. He struck out a measly 2.70 batters per nine innings while allowing a staggering 8.10 walks per nine. The team had apparently seen enough and decided to send him down to Pawtucket.
In his place, the Boston Red Sox promoted right-handed pitcher Dylan Covey. Covey first came into the major leagues with the Chicago White Sox back in 2017. During his first season in the pros, Covey pitched 70.0 innings while allowing a 7.71 ERA, 7.20 FIP, and a 5.54 xFIP. His numbers slightly improved during the 2018 season, as he allowed a 5.18 ERA, 4.39 FIP, and a 4.31 xFIP through 121.2 innings.
Unfortunately for Covey, his numbers jumped back up again in 2019. Appearing in 58.2 innings, Covey allowed a 7.98 ERA, 6.06 FIP, and a 5.61 xFIP. Covey already pitched two innings with the Red Sox this year, striking out one batter while allowing two runs.
The Red Sox are currently on something of a hot stretch and find themselves just outside of the playoff picture. So far in this abbreviated season, Boston is 5-8 and are on a two-game winning streak.
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