BOSTON — The Red Sox have named Josh Winckowski their starting pitcher for Saturday against the Astros.
Cooper Criswell initially was scheduled to start but he was placed on the COVID-related injured list Friday.
Winckowski’s last nine appearances have come out of the bullpen. He has made two starts since Boston recalled him from Triple-A Worcester on June 24. He hasn’t started a game since July 6 at Yankee Stadium when he went 3 ⅔ innings and threw 66 pitches.
The righty threw 39 pitches Wednesday at Kansas City. And so he likely will throw one or two innings Saturday, then hand it over the bullpen.
Brad Keller, who Boston recalled from Worcester on Friday to take Criswell’s roster spot, has the ability to provide length. He hasn’t pitched since Aug. 3. He initially was scheduled to start for Worcester on Friday.
Winckowski has a 3.44 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 4.44 FIP in 24 outings (five starts) for Boston this season. He posted a 2.87 ERA in seven outings (six starts) for Worcester.
His best start this season came June 25 when he threw 58 pitches over 5 scoreless innings against the Padres.
