Could the Boston Red Sox take a flier on right-handed pitcher Alexi Ogando?
Ogando, who has dealt with shoulder and elbow injuries the last two seasons, worked out for teams last week in Tampa Bay. The Red Sox were among the clubs in attendance, according to reports, and it’s possible Boston could have legitimate interest in the former Texas Rangers hurler.
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The Boston Herald’s Scott Lauber, citing a source familiar with the Red Sox’s thinking, reported Wednesday that Boston has expressed interest in signing Ogando. Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington did not respond to an inquiry about Ogando, according to The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo, but Cafardo suggests the organization is in pursuit of the 31-year-old free agent.
Ogando, a five-year veteran, was named an All-Star in 2011, when he went 13-8 with a 3.51 ERA in 31 appearances (29 starts). The Dominican product spent 2012 pitching primarily out of the bullpen — posting a 3.27 ERA in 58 appearances (one start) — before returning to mostly a starting role in 2013. Ogando was limited to 27 relief appearances in 2014.
Ogando declined surgery at the tail end of last season, instead opting for rest to heal his ailments. The 6-foot-4 righty threw a bullpen session in front of an estimated 40 scouts from approximately 20 teams during last week’s workout, according to Lauber.
Thumbnail photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images
