Red Sox predicted to demote 25-year-old after trade deadline

The Boston Red Sox starting rotation has been inconsistent all season. They could be targeting starting pitchers at the trade deadline, meaning one of their current starters is running out of time.

Garret Crochet has been great this season, but the rest of the rotation has struggled. FanSided's Cody Williams predicted the Red Sox would demote Richard Fitts after acquiring a pitcher at the deadline.

"And while many would like to see Walker Buehler get sent down, the Red Sox seem to value his veteran presence," wrote Williams. "To his credit, Buehler has also started to turn things around, pitching to a 3.00 ERA with a 1.278 WHIP over his last three starts. Because of the options and his lack of experience, I can see Fitts being the initial player sent down to make room in the rotation. Having said that, he's a perfect depth piece if the Red Sox rotation suffers an injury or doesn't get the bounce back from someone like Buehler that they're looking for."

Fitts has a 4.28 ERA this season. He spent some time on the injured list this year, but has been forced into a key role thanks to injuries to Tanner Houck and Hunter Dobbins.

Fitts had a 1.74 ERA in four starts last season. However, he is the likely candidate to lose his spot if the Red Sox add a starting pitcher. Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello and Walker Buehler all figure to stick in the rotation even if the Red Sox make a trade. Fitts is in just his second season, and would be an insurance policy against any more injuries.

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The Red Sox rotation will become clearer over the next week. The Red Sox do have Jarren Duran as a potential trade chip to land a talented starting pitcher.

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