Zach Penrod is just trying to live in the moment.
From undergoing Tommy John surgery, to spending parts of three seasons in independent baseball, to signing with the Boston Red Sox organization, the WooSox pitcher has encountered his share of ups and downs on the mound over the past five years.
Yet, right now, the left-hander is riding a tidal wave of momentum with Triple-A Worcester. Penrod currently finds himself thriving in a new relief role — while being one call away from the big leagues.
“It’s very exciting,” Penrod said prior to the WooSox’ 3-0 win Saturday. “Especially over the course of the last four years being in indy ball, I never really thought I’d be in this position.
“So I’m just trying to enjoy each day that I get to go out there more than anything and take care of what I need to take care of and kind of just let things fall into place as they go.”
On Friday, Penrod threw 15 pitches (12 for strikes) in his third relief appearance for Worcester. The 27-year-old lefty allowed one hit and struck out two while picking up his second win of the season in Triple A.
Penrod tossed nine four-seam fastballs, three sliders and three changeups — with his fastball averaging 97.4 miles per hour and topping out at 98.9.
Let’s call it 99 mph for housekeeping purposes.
“That one was wild,” Penrod said. “I’m still chasing that 100. Just trying to go for it. It’s been my goal since surgery, so it’s crazy that I’m getting close.”
After signing as an undrafted free agent with the Texas Rangers in 2018, the Idaho native blew out his left elbow in spring training and underwent Tommy John surgery.
Penrod’s recovery from Tommy John took a toll, especially mentally. But once he started to feel better physically, Penrod gained a new perspective.
“Every moment that I get to be on the mound, every pitch I throw, it’s that much more enjoyable knowing that at some point it could be over,” Penrod said in June. “So just enjoying each one more.
“Just riding that roller coaster and just finding enjoyment in it.”
That proverbial roller coaster started after his surgery in 2019 and subsequent release from the Rangers a year later. Penrod then toiled in indy ball from 2021 to 2023 before the Red Sox signed him in August of last year.
Following a successful stint with High-A Greenville and then the Arizona Fall League, the hard-throwing lefty started this season with Double-A Portland. In seven starts with the Sea Dogs, Penrod went 4-0 with a 2.80 ERA and 53 strikeouts across 35⅓ innings before earning a promotion to Worcester on May 26.
But, two weeks later, he landed on the injured list with left shin inflammation. On July 26, Penrod was re-activated, and he made three straight starts that lasted less than three innings each before switching to a relief role with the WooSox.
Since Aug. 10, Penrod has pitched out of the bullpen three times and has allowed just two hits, one run and one walk while striking out four in three innings. He’s currently pitching every third day in relief.
“So far so good,” WooSox manager Chad Tracy said. “I think this is his third (relief appearance and) each one has gotten better, and (Friday) was by far the best. ... It’s worth exploring right now with where we're at, where our big-league team’s at and seeing how he goes.”
“Honestly, whatever they need, I’m the guy,” Penrod said.
With the Red Sox in need of pitching help, Penrod is being viewed as a potential September call-up for Boston’s bullpen. Having someone throw 99 mph from the left side is an intriguing option.
“It’s exciting. So there’s no question, no doubt, based on what you’re seeing (that) he’s got the ability to be a big-league pitcher,” Tracy said. “It’s just a matter of let’s see where all the chips fall. But it’s a cool story.”
At this point in the year, Penrod, whose wife, Kyla, is 36 weeks pregnant, is taking everything day by day.
He’s just trying to enjoy the moment.
“To find myself here is just wild. It’s something I definitely don’t take for granted,” Penrod said. “So, if they call on me, I'm ready.”
