Newcomb will throw five innings in a minor-league game Tuesday at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the Red Sox traveled to Mexico for a pair of exhibition games against teams from that country, Newcomb remained behind in Florida to make a final tune-up before a potential gig in Boston's rotation. His chances of landing a spot improved greatly over the weekend when the Red Sox assigned Quinn Priester to Triple-A Worcester. Cooper Criswell, who pitched two innings Sunday, is also still around. Whichever starter wins the final spot isn't expected to be part of the rotation for long, as both Brayan Bello (shoulder) and Lucas Giolito (hamstring) are due back at some point in April. Red Sox manager Alex Cora did not say Newcomb is a lock for the roster, but the the lefty put himself in position with a strong spring. In 14.1 innings over five appearances, the 31-year-old Massachusetts native posted a 0.63 ERA (one earned run) with nine hits allowed and a 13:3 K:BB.

Newcomb may be the slight favorite to open the season as the Red Sox' fifth starter, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richard Fitts will handle the fourth spot, while Newcomb looks to have a bit of an edge over Quinn Priester for the final opening in the rotation while the Red Sox deal with multiple pitching injuries. It's been an unlikely re-emergence for Newcomb, who boasts a 0.63 ERA with 13 strikeouts and three walks over 14.1 Grapefruit League innings. The lefty hasn't been used as a regular starter in the majors since 2018.

Newcomb allowed one unearned run on four hits while striking out three over 4.2 innings in Thursday's spring start against the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb has flown under the radar for much of spring training, but injuries to Brayan Bello (shoulder), Lucas Giolito (hamstring) and Kutter Crawford (knee) opened up a need for two pitchers to fill temporary holes in the rotation. Richard Fitts appears to have one of them locked up, while Newcomb, Cooper Criswell and Quinn Priester vie for the other one. Newcomb has a 0.63 ERA with 13 strikeouts and three walks over 14.1 Grapefruit League innings.

Newcomb is in the mix to open the season in Boston's rotation while Brayan Bello (shoulder), Lucas Giolito (hamstring) and Kutter Crawford (knee) are out, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb has been using a new cutter this spring and has "caught our eyes" with how he's pitched, per manager Alex Cora, allowing just one run with a 10:3 K:BB over 9.2 innings. Quinn Priester and Richard Fitts have been viewed as the favorites to capture the final two rotation spots, and that still might be the case. However, Priester and Fitts both have minor-league options remaining, so the Red Sox could send one of them down and award Newcomb with a rotation spot, helping to reinforce depth. Newcomb hasn't been used as a regular starter in the majors since 2018.

The Red Sox signed Newcomb to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb got into seven games with the Athletics this past season, allowing seven runs with a 7:8 K:BB over 10 innings. The 31-year-old left-hander is likely to open 2025 in the Triple-A Worcester bullpen.

The Athletics released Newcomb on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb was DFA'd by Oakland on Tuesday after he allowed seven earned runs in 10 innings with the major-league team. He's been relatively successful in Triple-A, posting a 3.22 ERA in 36.1 innings over the past two seasons, so he shouldn't have trouble securing a minor-league deal. However, he would likely need to show sustained success in Triple-A before getting another chance in the big leagues.

The Athletics designated Newcomb for assignment Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb made just seven appearances last year for Oakland and it seems that it will be the same this year as well. After posting a 6.30 ERA across 10.0 innings in seven games for Oakland, the 31-year-old will be looking to be claimed elsewhere. In a corresponding move, Tyler Ferguson was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Newcomb (1-0) picked up the win Friday against the Twins after picking off Austin Martin for the final out of the eighth inning.

EDGE Analysis

It was the first time in Athletics history a pitcher recorded a victory without officially facing a batter, as Newcomb was able to escape the two-out, two-on jam he inherited from Lucas Erceg with his pick-off throw. The quick two-pitch outing and win represent a much-needed reprieve for the veteran left-hander, who'd surrendered five earned runs on four hits and three walks over the 3.1 innings covering his previous two appearances.

The Athletics reinstated Newcomb (knee) from the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb has been on the injured list all season due to irritation in his left knee, but he has now been given the green light to return to Oakland's bullpen after making four rehab appearances. The 30-year-old southpaw gave up two earned runs in six innings during his assignment but will likely be given low-leverage opportunities as he gets used to facing big-league hitters once again. Brady Basso was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move.

Newcomb (knee) allowed two runs over one inning in his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb had his first rehab outing over the weekend with the Arizona Complex League Athletics before moving up to a higher affiliate. Making his way back from left knee inflammation, Newcomb will probably need a couple more rehab appearances before Oakland adds him to their active roster.