The Boston Red Sox are struggling to stay afloat in the American League playoff race and that has pushed the team to make some difficult decisions involving players who once carried significant prospect pedigrees.
Last week, the franchise released veteran pitcher Jacob Webb after six years in the organization. And on the same day, another cut involved left-hander T.J. Sikkema, a former first-round draft pick whose professional journey has taken several unexpected turns over the past few years.
According to the official transaction log, the Worcester Red Sox released Sikkema after just two starts this season. Sikkema’s campaign with the Red Sox organization totaled just four and two-thirds innings with a 9.64 ERA before he was placed on the injured list with an ankle sprain and then released.
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The move marked another setback for a pitcher who was once viewed as one of the more intriguing arms in the New York Yankees’ farm system.
“Drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2019 Draft, T.J. Sikkema has spent a lot of time in the minor leagues since,” Nick John wrote for Talk Sox. “After making four starts in 2019, he would not pitch again until 2022, where he would be part of a package by the Yankees sent to the Kansas City Royals for Andrew Benintendi.”
Sikkema went from the Royals to the Cincinnati Reds organization and broke into Triple-A for the first time last season, making five appearances.
After becoming a free agent following last season, Sikkema joined the Red Sox on a minor-league contract and it seemed possible he could compete for a spot on the big-league roster. But, ultimately, he suffered another injury setback and the Red Sox have cut ties with him.
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As much as Red Sox fans might have hoped to see the team uncover a diamond in the rough by remaking their biggest rival’s first-round draft bust, his ankle injury has gotten in the way of those hopes.
At just 27 years old, Sikkema’s professional career may not be over. Former first-round picks with upper-level experience often receive additional opportunities, particularly left-handed pitchers who have previously demonstrated the ability to miss bats and limit hard contact.
For now, however, the latest chapter of Sikkema’s long baseball journey has come to an abrupt end with another organizational change.