Back in May, WooSox manager Chad Tracy had to have one of the hardest conversations of his tenure with in Worcester.
As the Triple-A manager, most of the news one has to deliver to players is positive, especially in a year that’s seen 27 different WooSox promoted to the majors. But instead, Tracy had to tell pitcher Kyle Hart, who pitched all of 2021 with Worcester, that the organization had made the decision to move him to Double-A Portland.
Hart took his assignment in stride, and helped the Sea Dogs clinch a playoff spot as a member of the starting rotation. The 29-year-old went 2-1 with a 4.91 ERA in 15 appearances, holding opposing hitters to a .242 average.
Now Hart’s been rewarded for his solid performance in Double-A with a late-season promotion back to Worcester.
“It’s fantastic. You know how we feel about him. Just even since he’s been here, he walks in and just lifts people up and is in a good mood,” Tracy said. “He says hi to everybody when he comes in. He pitched pretty well down there. He helped them clinch his second half title. He was in the starting rotation. He pitched him good innings for them.”
Hart is a popular player amongst teammates and especially amongst coaches, particularly pitching coach Paul Abbott.
“To see him get to come spend a couple weeks back here, and him and Abby are very close. So I know Abby was pumped about it, to see him get rewarded and be able to come back here and spend a couple weeks with us is fantastic. We love having around here.”
Hart went six innings and scattered eight hits and two walks throughout his start in his first game back on the mound at Polar Park, earning the win in a rain-shortened game.
Full article can be found at: https://www.masslive.com/worcesterredsox/2022/09/woosox-notebook-clubhouse-favorite-kyle-hart-rejoins-woosox-he-just-lifts-people-up-and-is-always-in-a-good-mood-says-manager-chad-tracy.html