Franklin Morales has been one of the best pitchers the Red Sox have had this season. The left-hander has been juggled between the starting rotation and the bullpen, and outperformed expectations when thrust into the starting rotation just before the All-Star break.
Now, with Tuesday's MLB trade deadline in the past, the Red Sox have some more flexibility in their bullpen.
By acquiring fellow lefty Craig Breslow, the Sox have three southpaws in the bullpen: Breslow, Morales and Andrew Miller. With Andrew Bailey getting close to returning as well, the Sox could have a surplus of bullpen arms and might be able to get Morales back to the rotation. After all, the Sox might think having three lefties is a little excessive.
When given the opportunity, Morales has shown himself capable of starting. He could then provide depth for the rotation, even opening the possibility of the team returning to a six-man starting squad. Additionally, Felix Doubront has never pitched more than 130 innings in a season and is currently at 113. Finding a start or two for Morales along the way could help ease Doubront's workload, and help to keep him fresh for a stretch run.
With Breslow joining the Red Sox, it certainly adds to the intrigue of where Morales should be.