Firing pitching coach Juan Nieves wasn’t the Boston Red Sox’s only move to shake things up.
The Red Sox designated reliever Edward Mujica for assignment Thursday, according to multiple reports. The move could pave the way for Boston to recall Matt Barnes, who shifted from the rotation to the bullpen Wednesday at Triple-A Pawtucket.
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Mujica, who signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract before the 2014 season, has struggled for much of his Red Sox tenure. The right-hander has posted a 4.61 ERA in 11 appearances spanning 13 2/3 innings this season. He owns a 4.03 ERA in 75 appearances since joining Boston.
The Red Sox’s hope when signing Mujica was that he’d provide closer insurance behind Koji Uehara. That hasn’t been the case, however, as ineffectiveness has led to Boston using Mujica early in games.
If Mujica clears waivers, he could elect free agency, in which case teams across Major League Baseball will have an opportunity to add a reliever with a good track record who simply didn’t catch on in Boston.
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington wouldn’t confirm the roster move Thursday in a conference call to discuss Nieves’ firing. But the GM acknowledged a move involving Mujica is forthcoming.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
