Red Sox Make Roster Move Involving Brayan Bello Before Series Vs. Astros

BOSTON -- After being optioned to Triple-A Worcester two days ago, lefty reliever Cam Booser was back with the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

But Booser being recalled meant the Red Sox needed to open up a spot on their active roster and they did so in a move involving starting pitcher Brayan Bello.

It's not injury-related for Bello -- the Red Sox could ill afford that given the state of their starting rotation -- as Boston placed the right-hander on the paternity list prior to Friday's series opener against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he expected Bello to be back Monday to make his start against the Texas Rangers.

That wasn't the only roster move the Red Sox made. Boson also put Cooper Criswell on the COVID-19-related injured list and recalled reliever Brian Keller. It is Keller's second stint with the Red Sox this season as he struggled in his first go-around. The right-hander made nine appearances and gave up 18 hits and 10 runs in 16 2/3 innings.

Cora said Criswell was going to be Boston's starting pitcher for Saturday's matchup with the Astros since the Red Sox have a hole in the rotation with Nick Pivetta's start being skipped. Criswell has performed well since being moved to the bullpen when the Red Sox acquired James Paxton.

Cora is unsure who he will trot out to start Saturday's contest now, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he opts to go with a bullpen game.

"It is what is it, man. We got to move on," Cora said. "We've been on this trail the whole season and we're not going to make excuses. We have a good team here and we got good arms here and somebody will start tomorrow. (Criswell) will be back when he comes back and he'll be part of this. But tomorrow we got to figure out."