Welcome to the 2018 Major League Baseball postseason, Heath Hembree.
The Boston Red Sox on Saturday added the right-handed reliever to replace Steven Wright on their American League Division Series roster. Wright, who is dealing with inflammation and loose body in his left knee, won’t be eligible to return until the World Series, should the Red Sox make it that far.
Major League Baseball has approved a roster substitution for the #RedSox due to an injury sustained by RHP Steven Wright.
Wright, who has been diagnosed with inflammation and loose body in his left knee, will be replaced on the Division Series roster by RHP Heath Hembree. pic.twitter.com/2aWcKbME2S
— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 6, 2018
The loss of Wright is significant, as the knuckleballer was one of Boston’s most reliable relievers down the stretch. The Red Sox bullpen, of course, struggled mightily Friday night in Boston’s 5-4 Game 1 win at Fenway Park.
Hembree went 4-1 with a 4.20 ERA in 67 relief appearances this season. Game 2 of the ALDS at Fenway will get underway Saturday night at 8:15 p.m. ET.