Darwinzon Hernandez could follow Chris Mazza as latest Red Sox starting pitcher

Chris Mazza became the 11th starting pitcher deployed by the Red Sox in just 22 games.

The right-hander took the ball for Sunday night’s national broadcast on ESPN. Mazza made his 11th career appearance after throwing 2 2/3 scoreless innings in a previous outing against the Yankees this season.

"We certainly can go to five," Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said. "Hopefully that’s the issue – too many innings and we need to get him out of there. [...]

Chris Mazza became the 11th starting pitcher deployed by the Red Sox in just 22 games.

The right-hander took the ball for Sunday night’s national broadcast on ESPN. Mazza made his 11th career appearance after throwing 2 2/3 scoreless innings in a previous outing against the Yankees this season.

"We certainly can go to five," Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said. "Hopefully that’s the issue – too many innings and we need to get him out of there."

Boston’s 6.10 earned-run average and 1.65 WHIP thus far are both the worst in team history, eclipsing the 1932 club by daylight. Those Red Sox staggered to a 5.02 ERA and a 1.61 WHIP while finishing a dreadful 43-111. Boston didn’t enjoy another winning season until 1935 (78-75) and won at least 90 games only twice prior to 1947.

Is there immediate help on the way? Darwinzon Hernandez worked 2 1/3 innings in a simulated game at Pawtucket on Sunday. Chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom made the drive to McCoy Stadium and saw Hernandez strike out four while walking a pair. The left-hander – who’s still working his way back from COVID-19 – touched 97 mph on the radar gun, doing so in his final frame.

"I’m not sure exactly where he’ll fold in, but certainly he’ll need a few days off after the three innings today," Roenicke said.

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