Red Sox pitcher Bobby Poyner has ‘learned a lot’ in his rookie season

By: Greg Levinsky

For just the fourth time in franchise history, the Boston Red Sox reached the 100 win plateau. While the team itself can coast for the remainder of the regular season until postseason play, left-handed reliever Bobby Poyner hopes his unheralded ascension to the major leagues ends by earning a spot on the playoff roster in his rookie season.

The 25-year-old has posted a 2.20 ERA in 16.1 innings pitched across 15 big league appearances. The deceptive hurler out of the University of Florida collects outs with ease, but he’s not focused on a potential playoff spot. Poyner just wants to perform, and the rest should take care of itself.

“I try to take it outing by outing,” Poyner said prior to Thursday night’s game against the Blue Jays. “I don’t try to get caught up in the long-term goals. Just outing by outing and inning by inning, honestly.”

Poyner said he’s taken in tips, observing a pitching staff that includes three stellar lefty’s. Chris Sale is the likely frontrunner for the American League Cy Young Award, David Price is a former Cy Young winner and Eduardo Rodriguez is an emerging top of the rotation arm.

“Little things like holding runners how to throw certain pitches and just their work routines and everything,” Poyner said. “I’ve learned a lot.”

With 15 games left in the regular season, Poyner and his Sox teammates are gearing up towards what they hope is a deep playoff run.

“Everyone’s really excited,” Poyner said. “Really excited to try and keep moving forward, keep our focus and continue to win each game.”

Greg Levinsky can be reached at glevinsk@bu.edu. Follow Greg on Twitter @GregLevinsky