But an unheralded signing this winter could prove to bring added depth to the rotation.Cooper Criswell, who signed a one-year deal worth a reported $1 million with the Red Sox in December, has only pitched in 12 big-league games in his career with two of those being starts. All 10 of the right-hander’s outings with the Tampa Bay Rays this past season came as a reliever, but the Red Sox want Criswell ready to take on a starting role as he ramps up for a new season.
“They want me to come to spring training prepared to be a starter,” Criswell told reporters at Winter Weekend, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “Just because it’s easier if they want to move me into a bulk role out of the bullpen or even a reliever. Obviously it’s easier to transition from a starter to a reliever rather than a reliever to a starter. So I’m going to be geared up, ready for spring training to go as a starter.”
Criswell does have experience as a starter, but it hasn’t come in the majors. The 27-year-old made 17 starts for Triple-A Durham last season, posting a 4-4 record with a 3.93 ERA to go along with 80 strikeouts in 84 2/3 innings. He also registered two saves.
