Chris Murphy had run-of-the-mill birthday plans Monday. That was until the Boston Red Sox gave him a call.
Nobody else could top what the Red Sox gave the left-handed pitcher for his birthday as the just-turned-25-year-old got a promotion to the big leagues for the first time in his career.
"It was a great birthday present considering I got that call yesterday," Murphy told reporters Tuesday from Progressive Field with the Red Sox opening a three-game series with the Cleveland Guardians, per NESN. "Ecstatic to be here. It's the Boston Red Sox, so I can't be anything more than thrilled at this point."
Murphy was cleaning out the backseat of his car with his girlfriend in preparation for a birthday outing with friends when he received the phone call from the Red Sox. And once the good news was delivered, Murphy didn't put down the phone.
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"We were cleaning out the back to take some friends to go to an Escape Room last night," Murphy said. "Put that on hold and called my mom immediately."
Murphy said his mother was emotional when he told her he was heading to the major leagues and got on the first flight out to Cleveland in case her son made his major league debut in the series opener.
If and when Murphy does make his debut, it is likely to come out of the bullpen. It's a new role for Murphy, who struggled at Triple-A this season by posting a 7.71 ERA in 10 appearances. The 2019 sixth-round draft pick started 67 of 71 games he appeared in during his minor league career, but was used in relief in his last appearance, finding success by tossing three scoreless innings. But now up with the Red Sox, he will fulfill whatever role is asked of him.
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"I'm activated so I'm ready to go whenever," Murphy said. "Whatever they want me to do, I'm ready for that call."
Featured image via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
