Richard Fitts DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Boston Red Sox right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts (pectoral) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday with a right pectoral strain. In a corresponding move, the Red Sox promoted right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer. Fitts was able to win a spot in the starting rotation during spring training due to the numerous injuries to the Boston rotation. During his first three starts of the campaign, Fitts has logged 17 innings to the tune of a 3.18 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP. Fitts was diagnosed with this injury following his start on Saturday against the Chicago White Sox. Fantasy managers should expect Fulmer to be deployed out of the bullpen. Lucas Giolito (hamstring) and Brayan Bello (shoulder) are nearing a return to the rotation and are expected to take Fitts' spot. Cooper Criswell could see starting opportunities if Bello or Giolito are not cleared to return.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Richard Fitts (shoulder) was removed early during Saturday's game against the Chicago White Sox. This is a shame as Fitts was in the middle of an excellent performance before being forced to exit due to shoulder pain. The plan is for Fitts to return to Boston on Sunday to undergo additional imaging on his shoulder to determine the severity of the injury. Before he went down, Fitts tossed five scoreless innings, allowing two hits, and striking out five batters. The expectation is that the Red Sox will give an update on his status in the coming days.

The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey reports that Boston Red Sox right-hander Hunter Dobbins will start Game 2 of the team's doubleheader on Sunday evening at Fenway Park against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals, which will be his major-league debut. Manager Alex Cora said everyone else in the starting rotation will remain on turn, with Richard Fitts going on Monday against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays after Saturday's game against St. Louis was rained out. The 25-year-old Dobbins will most likely be sent to Triple-A Worcester after serving as the team's 27th man on Sunday. In his first start for the WooSox last Tuesday, Dobbins allowed five earned runs on three long balls while walking three and striking out two in just 3 2/3 innings of work. In his first major-league appearances, fantasy managers should stay away.