The Red Sox made a difficult roster decision Friday.
Boston promoted right-handed pitcher Luis Guerrero from Triple-A Worcester, opening up space on the active roster by designating veteran pitcher Rich Hill for assignment.
Guerrero, 24, has a remarkable story. He was born in the Dominican Republic, but moved to Boston as a child, growing up near Franklin Park. The Red Sox selected him in the 17th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Chipola College in Florida, and have since seen him reach triple-digits on the gun while putting together prolific strikeout numbers -- all despite dealing with a considerable obstacle.
Guerrero underwent knee surgery and spent around nine months in the hospital as a toddler, suffering from limited knee mobility ever since because his muscles in that area did not grow like the others. He walks with a limp to this day.
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The Red Sox have watched him continue to develop over the last three seasons, however, as the flamethrower has compiled a 3.31 ERA across 54 1/3 innings for the Triple-A Worcester this season.
He will wear No. 99.
Hill, 44, made just four appearances in his latest stint with the Red Sox, seeing his ERA spike to 4.91 after a pair of disappointing outings. Boston likely wants to focus on developing young arms down the stretch, leading to the decision.
The Red Sox will open a three-game set with the Chicago White Sox on Friday, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET following an hour and a half of postgame coverage on NESN.
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Featured image via Rick Osentoski/Imagn Images