Ryan Brasier caused some early panic amongst Red Sox fans when the pitcher was sent back to Boston to have his infected pinky toe further checked out.
Sox manager Alex Cora admitted the infection had “taken longer” than originally thought to clear up, but it now looks as if Brasier finally is on the mend and will take his first steps toward getting back on the mound Thursday.
It’s certainly good news considering how much of a staple he was to the Red Sox’s bullpen in the regular season and playoffs last year as Boston marched to a World Series title.
Brasier, along with Matt Barnes, likely are the top two candidates to be the team’s new closer after it was announced it wasn’t likely the Red Sox would bring back Craig Kimbrel. Brasier certainly proved he’s a viable candidate for the job. The right-hander amassed a 1.60 ERA in 34 regular-season appearances for Boston in 2018.
