Why Greg Weissert’s struggles are becoming a major problem for the Red Sox bullpen

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Why Greg Weissert’s struggles are becoming a major problem for the Red Sox bullpen originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox are trying to right the ship under Chad Tracy, with a record of 8-5 under his tenure so far. Almost everyone is starting to pick up the slack, and bring the Sox back up from the depths of misery.

However, there are a few players that are still just holding the team back, with most of them being slumping position players. However, there are a couple pitchers as well, with one of them being the worst at trying to maintain a lead: Greg Weissert.

This is the worst year of Weissert’s career​

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So far this season, Weissert has been one of, if not the worst reliever in the Sox’ bullpen. He posted a 0-1 record, a 5.52 ERA, 18 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.636 in 17 games.

It seems like whenever he comes in, the Red Sox need to be prepared to give up some runs. This is also a big contrast from last season, when Weissert was one of Boston’s more trusted early game relievers.

It’s a sharp drop off from last season​

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Last season, Weissert was much more solid. He played in 72 games, where he posted a 6-6 record, a 2.82 ERA, 57 Ks, a WHIP of 1.164 and four saves. While he wasn’t perfect, he was loads better than this year.

Even in his overall career, he’s been much better than this season. Even Weissert knows that this year he’s been really bad, and he didn’t mince his words when telling the media.

“It's not secret. I’m pitching like ****,” (via Christopher Smith).

Weissert’s future with Boston​

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Weissert’s future is uncertain. On one hand, if he’s costing the Sox winnable games time and time again, he might be on the chopping block. If the Sox want to return to contention, they cannot be blowing games that are pretty much locks.

However, on the other hand, Weissert has proved to be reliable in low-risk situations. Having a guy like that is good when you want to rest your top bullpen arms in blowout games, one way or another. So, if Weissert can lock in and get back to somewhere near his normal self, it doesn’t make sense to get rid of him.

In the end, only time will tell what the Sox decide to do with their most volatile reliever.

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