| Zach Penrod | |
| Team: | Boston Red Sox |
| Number: | 67 |
| Position: | Pitcher |
| Birth Date: | 16 June 1997 |
| Birth Place: | Nampa, Idaho, U.S. |
| Bats: | Left |
| Throws: | Left |
| Debutleague: | MLB |
| Debutdate: | September 14 |
| Debutyear: | 2024 |
| Debutteam: | Boston Red Sox |
| Statyear: | 2024 season |
| Statleague: | MLB |
| Stat1label: | Win–loss record |
| Stat1value: | 0–0 |
| Stat2label: | Earned run average |
| Stat2value: | 2.25 |
| Stat3label: | Strikeouts |
| Stat3value: | 3 |
| Teams: |
|
Zach Penrod (born June 16, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2024.
On August 2, 2018, Penrod signed with the Texas Rangers as an undrafted free agent, after he was not selected in the 2018 MLB draft.[1] He made his professional debut with the rookie–level Arizona League Rangers, recording a 6.17 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 4 games. On April 1, 2019, Penrod underwent Tommy John surgery, and was ruled out for the entirety of the year.[2]
Penrod did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] He was released by the Rangers organization on June 1, 2020.[4]
On May 27, 2021, Penrod signed with the Boise Hawks of the Pioneer League.[5] In 14 starts for Boise, Penrod compiled a 3–4 record and 5.66 ERA with 85 strikeouts across innings of work.[6]
On August 23, 2022, Penrod, Byron Smith, and Juan Teixiera were traded to the Billings Mustangs.[7] In 13 games (4 starts) in 2022, he struggled to a 1–3 record and 7.40 ERA with 20 strikeouts and 2 saves across innings.[8]
On December 12, 2022, Penrod signed with the Missoula PaddleHeads of the Pioneer League.[9] Penrod made 13 appearances (10 starts) for Missoula in 2023, posting a 4–1 record and 2.98 ERA with 65 strikeouts over innings pitched.[10]
On August 16, 2023, Penrod signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox organization.[11] He made four starts for the High–A Greenville Drive down the stretch, posting a 2–1 record and 2.18 ERA with 20 strikeouts over innings.[12]
Penrod began the 2024 campaign with the Double–A Portland Sea Dogs before being promoted to the Triple–A Worcester Red Sox in late May.[13] In 22 games (12 starts) between the two affiliates, he accumulated an 8–2 record and 4.16 ERA with 93 strikeouts across innings pitched.[14] On September 14, Penrod was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[15] He made his MLB debut the same day, pitching in relief at Yankee Stadium.[16]