The Boston Red Sox have an abundance of pitching prospects in their pipeline in addition to the starting depth they have at Polar Park, their designated alternate site which will commence its inaugural season on May 11th, the Woo Sox’ home opener.
Among these names are the likes of recently optioned right-hander Tanner Houck, Stephen Gonsalves, Daniel Gossett, Matt Hall, Ryan Weber, and Connor Seabold. Houck is the clear front-runner of this group to make a spot start for Boston and it’s likely he finds a role full-time in their rotation at some point this season. And after striking out ten batters in six innings of work in two appearances this year, Houck will utilize his time in Worcester to hone in on the development of his splitter, and alter his approach against left-handed hitters.
The unforeseen circumstances that came with the 2020 season also introduced us to the Alternate Training Site in addition to the taxi squad. The Red Sox used 27 pitchers in the shortened 60-game 2020, which brought a lot of new faces and offered many players the opportunity to showcase their skills at the Major League level.
Kyle Hart was one of the 27 pitchers used by Boston last season, earning a call-up after retiring 34 of 38 batters in back to back starts at the alternate training site.
He went 0-1 across three starts and one appearance out of the bullpen. In his eleven innings of work, Hart struck out 13 batters and walked 10 while being tagged for 19 earned runs.
“I know that that wasn’t me,”Hart recently told Woo Sox Watch. “I know a lot of guys have said that before me, but I know who I am and I know what I’m capable of. It’s a shame that people are going to think that I walk people, give up hits, and not aggressive in the zone.”
This certainly wasn’t an ideal debut for Hart, whom the Red Sox drafted out of Indiana University in 2016, however the numbers pertaining to such a small sample size at the Major League does not lend creedence to his abilities. Over the course of his professinal career, the 6-foot 5-inch left-hander owns a 25-29 record while accumulaing a 3.13 ERA in 77 games-71 of them were starts.
Although his 2020 season wasn’t up to par for his standards-partially because Hart, an avid hunter, was diagnosed with Lyme Diseasea month or so prior to his call-up, and continued dealing the residual effects of the diagnosis (weight loss, fatigue, etc.)- his track record speaks to his ability to get hitters out and keep them guessing which is why it was surprising when Boston removed Hart from their 40-man roster following the season.
For Hart, that was a blow that will be the fuel to his fire in 2021.
“I spent four years earning that trust from everyone that’s seen me pitch in the organization,” he stated. “And all it takes is 11 innings to lose the trust of a lot of people….the trust of the front office, and I need to earn it back.”
Still not a member of the 40-man roster, Hart remains steadfast in his goal to enter the 2021 season healthy, strong and a little more explosive while consistently delivering the ball through the zone.
“I want my teammamtes to believe in me, and be excited when I’m on the mound,” Hart stated.
Along with a low 90’s fastball, Hart’s arsenal also features a changeup, sinker, slider and on rare occassions a curveball. His slider is his go-to pitch, and when it’s sharp it plays well off of his fastball and changeup. Although none of these offerings are overwhelming, Hart is confident in his abilty to mix his pitches well enough to get big league hitters out.
Entering his age 28 season, the Cincinnati native could prove to be a valuable asset down the line for Boston in 2021.
There’s no denying Hart has a chip on his shoulder after being removed from the 40-man last season. He has something to prove to his teammates, his coaches, and himself this season. After a dissapointing display in 2020, a strong 2021 could put the left hander back on Boston’s radar for September or sooner.
Luckily for Hart, his will to succeed does not hinge on being part of Boston’s 40-man roster. His determination to win is guaged soley on the work he puts in and the results that come after, and Hart knows where his focus needs to be to get back in the big leagues.
“Whether you’re on the roster or not, you have to pitch your ass off to get people out. You got to show up and pitch 200 innings and get people out…that’s all I give a s*** about.”
Read full article here: https://www.woosoxwatch.com/post/worcester-red-sox-kyle-hart-seeks-redemption-as-2021-season-looms