Red Sox Add To Bullpen By Activating Veteran Reliever Off IL

The Boston Red Sox bullpen, which struggled out of the All-Star break, all of a sudden looks a lot different.

And another change came Wednesday with the Red Sox activating veteran reliever Chris Martin off the injured list. To make room for Martin on the active roster, the Red Sox optioned Cam Booser to Triple-A Worcester.

"Where we at roster-wise, it makes sense right now," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said prior to Wednesday's matchup against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. "(Booser) is going to be part of this. They're all going to be part of this. But Chris is ready to go today."

Martin hasn't pitched since July 3 as he spent over a month on the injured list -- his second stint there this season -- due to right elbow inflammation. He also didn't go on a rehab assignment before rejoining the Red Sox.

Martin put together a career campaign in 2023, but he hasn't generated the abundant success he enjoyed last season this year. But the 38-year-old right-hander still is a reliable arm Cora can call upon in late-game, high-leverage situations. Martin has made 26 appearances so far this season, posting a 2-1 record with a 3.42 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. He also owns 29 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings.

Martin will join trade deadline additions Lucas Sims and Luis García in forming a late-inning bridge to closer Kenley Jansen, who dominated in Boston's narrow win over the Royals on Tuesday night by picking up a four-out save and needing just 13 pitches to do so.

Liam Hendriks could also be part of the bullpen mix later this month as he took a major step in his comeback from Tommy John surgery on Tuesday.

By adding Martin and optioning Booser, the Red Sox will only have one lefty in Brennan Bernardino remaining in their bullpen going forward.