This morning, the Red Sox announced five roster moves, including promoting left-hander Zach Penrod to the major league roster. To make room on the 40-man roster, experienced catcher was designated for assignment. Additionally, left-hander and right-hander were optioned to Triple-A Worcester to free up spots on the active roster. The team also called up left-hander Bailey Horn from Triple-A. Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe was the first to report the moves involving Penrod, Booser, and Horn, while Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reported yesterday about Kelly’s demotion.
Kelly and Booser were among the six pitchers used by the Red Sox in Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Yankees, so today’s transactions bring in new relief options. Penrod is on the brink of his Major League debut, capping a six-year pro career that began as an undrafted free agent.
Penrod briefly played with the Rangers’ rookie league team in 2018 but then missed two years due to Tommy John surgery and the canceled 2020 minor league season. He returned to play in the independent Pioneer League from 2021-23, where his performance attracted Red Sox scouts, leading to a minor league contract in 2023. This year, Penrod has a 4.16 ERA over 62 2/3 innings at Double-A and Triple-A, along with an impressive 34.8% strikeout rate.
His minor league numbers show considerable variance, with a 2.80 ERA in 35 1/3 Double-A innings compared to a 5.93 ERA in 27 1/3 Triple-A innings. Penrod has struggled with control, as evidenced by his 16.1% walk rate in Triple-A compared to 9.1% in Double-A. Nonetheless, his strikeout capability and upper-90s fastball make him a promising bullpen option for the Red Sox. Though Penrod has primarily started games, he has worked as a reliever in 10 of his 15 appearances in Worcester. Boston is likely to use him in long relief for the remainder of the 2024 season. As noted by Alex Speier of the Boston Globe in May, Penrod’s development of a slider as a third pitch could potentially pave the way for him as a starter, but the 27-year-old is likely pleased to contribute to the majors in any role.
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