Sean

Newcomb

Newcomb had a mini breakout in 2025, posting a 2.73 ERA and 23.3 percent strikeout rate in 92 1/3 innings across 48 appearances (five starts) with the Red Sox and the Athletics. Boston cut back heavily on his four-seam fastball usage, adding a cutter to his arsenal and also increasing his sinker usage, and the three fastball variations worked wonders for Newcomb. He was one of the top left-handed relievers on the market and a good get for the White Sox.

Newcomb’s season is officially over after an outstanding run with the Athletics where he compiled a sparkling 1.76 ERA across 51 1/3 innings over 36 appearances after being claimed off waivers from the Red Sox back in late May. Assuming he isn’t facing a long-term absence, Newcomb should have plenty of interest this offseason as a free agent.

Newcomb was outstanding, and while he did need 18 pitches to procure the three punchouts, it’s still an impressive outing for the veteran 32-year-old. He’s saved two games and forged a 2.76 ERA in 2025, but he’s not a lock to see more save chances. He probably should be, but he’s not.

Harris was summoned in the ninth inning to close out the game against the Twins with a three-run lead. He induced a groundout and two fly outs in a clean inning on 11 pitches to convert his first save. Sean Newcomb had recorded the team’s previous save, but had pitched in two of the last three days with a high pitch count. Still, the A’s haven’t generated many save chances, with Harris tying Newcomb with one save.

Newcomb has looked extremely sharp since coming over from the Red Sox back in late May, posting a stellar 1.91 ERA with a 41/11 K/BB ratio across 37 2/3 innings (26 appearances). He’s the odds-on favorite to keep racking up saves for the Athletics over the final six weeks, a reminder of how closers so often seem to materialize out of thin air in the modern game.

Newcomb was acquired from the Red Sox for cash considerations on Tuesday and will now be active for the Athletics on Wednesday. He last pitched on Saturday when he threw one inning out of the bullpen, so he should be available today.

Newcomb made 14 appearances for the Athletics from 2023-2024 before latching on with the Red Sox last offseason. The 31-year-old southpaw was jettisoned from Boston’s pitching staff after compiling a respectable 3.95 ERA across 41 innings (12 appearances, five starts) in a versatile swingman-type role. He’ll most likely operate in long relief for the Athletics.

Newcomb’s overall numbers of a 3.83 ERA and 41/16 K/BB ratio make this move a bit of a surprise, but he’s really struggled as of late; giving up seven runs over his last 12 1/3 innings of work. The 31-year-old will likely be claimed or traded, but if not, he’ll have the option to move to Triple-A Worcester or elect free agency.

Newcomb managed to wriggle out of trouble early in the contest, but got burned in the fourth inning when J.P. Crawford connected for a three-run homer. It seems like he’ll move to the bullpen next week with Lucas Giolito (hamstring) set to return from the injured list to make his season debut.

Bello will make his season debut at Fenway Park after striking out seven and allowing four runs over 4 1/3 innings last Wednesday for Double-A Portland in his final rehab outing. The move pushes lefty Sean Newcomb back to later in the series. The 25-year-old righty shouldn’t have any restrictions from a workload standpoint after getting his pitch count up to 71 in his final rehab start. He doesn’t offer significant strikeout upside, but there’s some appeal for fantasy managers in deeper mixed leagues.