Red Sox On Verge Of ‘Huge’ Roster Boost Amid Postseason Push

The Red Sox bolstered their bullpen before the MLB trade deadline passed, and the unit is poised to become even stronger in the coming days.

Alex Cora delivered a very encouraging update on Chris Martin in Texas on Sunday. Martin, who hasn't pitched in over a month due to an elbow issue, is slated to toe the rubber Wednesday. While that outing was initially scheduled to be in the minors, Cora left the door open for the veteran right-hander to return straight to the big leagues.

"He's going to let us know how he feels on Monday," Cora told reporters, per The Boston Globe. "If he feels like he can go at this level, we'll be ready. He'll pitch Wednesday somewhere; it may be in Kansas City."

The Red Sox manager acknowledged Martin's return would be "huge" for the club as it navigates through the final two months of the regular season. The 38-year-old was pitching well before going down, logging scoreless outings in 14 of his last 15 appearances. If Martin can pick up where he left off, Boston will have a great 1-2 punch in the back end of its 'pen.

In the meantime, the Red Sox will try to pick up a pair of wins over the Royals before Martin potentially takes the mound in the series finale at Kauffman Stadium. Boston and Kansas City will open their all-important set Monday, with NESN's coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET.