It’s no secret Sean Newcomb wants to be a starting pitcher in the majors. The 33-year-old signed with the Chicago White Sox hoping to earn a spot in the starting rotation.
When that opportunity didn’t materialize during spring training, it would have been easy for Newcomb to sulk. Instead, he embraced his role and has excelled in virtually every capacity the White Sox have asked of him. Not only is Newcomb in the midst of a career year, but he has also been the most valuable pitcher in the White Sox bullpen.
Through 75 innings, Newcomb has posted a 2.28 ERA while generating a 49% ground-ball rate that ranks in the 81st percentile among MLB pitchers. His slurve-sinker combination hasn’t just generated an abundance of ground balls; it has also consistently produced weak contact. Newcomb’s pitching run value ranks in the top 10% of MLB, while his slurve has posted a +5 run value and limited opponents to a .213 batting average.
But Newcomb’s effectiveness isn’t the only thing that has made him a valuable weapon out of the White Sox bullpen. His versatility has been just as important.
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When Sean Burke was pulled from Wednesday’s game against the Texas Rangers after throwing 92 pitches and issuing a career-high eight walks while recording just nine outs, Will Venable turned to Newcomb to help bridge the gap for an already-taxed bullpen. Newcomb proceeded to throw three scoreless innings while allowing just two hits to extend his scoreless inning streak to 17.1 innings and earn his second win of the season.
Venable has asked Newcomb to fill a variety of roles this season, whether that be in high-leverage situations, as a bulk reliever, or as an opener, and more often than not he gets the job done.
Of his 49 appearances this season, Newcomb has been used as an opener four times. In those outings, he has covered 8.2 innings without allowing a run, including two scoreless innings against the New York Mets on Sunday, when he struck out three and allowed just two baserunners.
In high-leverage situations, Newcomb has been equally impressive. He owns a 0.42 ERA in save situations, has closed out eight games and recorded four saves.
But perhaps Newcomb’s most valuable trait has been his ability to eat innings. Of his 49 appearances, he has thrown more than one inning in 32 of them, including 19 appearances in which he has covered at least two innings.
It’s fair to wonder where the White Sox would be without Newcomb’s efforts this season. The South Siders are 29-20 in the 49 games that Newcomb has pitched this season, a .592 winning percentage, well above the team’s overall mark. That’s no coincidence either.
Need an opener in a pinch against the Detroit Tigers? Newcomb is there to deliver three scoreless innings. Clinging to a one-run lead against the Cleveland Guardians, but Seranthony Dominguez has blown back-to-back saves, and Grant Taylor isn’t available? Newcomb records a seven-out save, Goose Gosage style. Have to pull your ace early, after he issued a career high in walks? Newcomb can help guide you to the sixth inning.
Newcomb may not command the headlines or find himself on the highlight reels like some of his teammates, but his consistency, versatility, and willingness to embrace whatever role is needed have made him indispensable on the South Side this season.
