Red Sox Release Pitching Prospect Acquired In Andrew Benintendi Deal

The Boston Red Sox made a handful of moves leading up to their Opening Day win over the Texas Rangers on Thursday.

That included releasing a pitcher they acquired in the 2021 trade that sent Andrew Benintendi to the Kansas City Royals.

The Red Sox parted ways with pitcher Grant Gambrell after three seasons in Boston’s minor league system. Josh Winckowski, who is starting this season with Triple-A Worcester, is the only player of the five Boston obtained from trading away Benintendi to remain with the organization.

Gambrell, 27, was on an upward trajectory at the end of the 2023 season after overcoming a benign tumor in his heel, which required multiple surgeries and took away his entire 2022 campaign.

Following a strong showing with Double-A Portland, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-hander received a promotion to Triple-A Worcester. He showed well there before the 2023 season came to a close, posting a 1.69 ERA in two starts.

But Gambrell couldn’t repeat the results last season. He made 16 starts for Worcester, going 4-6 with a 4.09 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. He also dealt with right forearm inflammation, which required a trip to the 60-day injured list.

The other three members of the Benintendi trade already released by the Red Sox are Franchy Cordero, Freddy Valdez and Luis De La Rosa. Meanwhile, Benintendi is in his 10th MLB season and third with the Chicago White Sox.