Brandon Workman and Drake Britton were the two candidates to start Sunday’s game for the Red Sox. Workman ended up getting the nod, but Britton will be in uniform for Boston.
The Red Sox called up Britton from Triple-A Pawtucket on Sunday, and they optioned outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. back to the PawSox. Britton will wear No. 66, and he will be available as Boston closes out a three-game series and the season’s first half in Oakland.
This marks Britton’s first major league stint. The 24-year-old was drafted by the Red Sox in 2007, and has climbed up Boston’s minor league system ever since. Britton started this season with Double-A Portland, but he was promoted to Pawtucket on July 5 after going 7-6 with a 3.51 ERA in 17 games (16 starts) for the Sea Dogs.
Britton, a 2013 Eastern League All-Star, has been on the Red Sox’ 40-man roster since 2011. He was ranked the No. 97 prospect in baseball by Baseball America that offseason, and he was rated the No. 2 left-handed pitcher in the Red Sox’ minor league system prior to this season.
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