Red Sox Release All-Star Pitcher Following Tough Stint

Nothing seemed to go Matt Moore’s way during his time with the Boston Red Sox.

The veteran relief pitcher, who signed a minor league deal with Boston in late February, didn’t make the Opening Day roster but decided to stick with the Red Sox and got outrighted to Triple-A Worcester. The 35-year-old lefty never got a chance to pitch there, though, as he landed on the injured list due to arm soreness.

And now, Moore is looking for a new job after the Red Sox released him Thursday, according to MLB’s transactions log.

It felt like Moore would get a shot to make an impact in Boston’s bullpen at some point this season given his track record. Moore has 13 MLB seasons under his belt and was just three seasons removed from posting a 1.95 ERA with five saves to go along with 83 strikeouts in 74 innings for the Texas Rangers.

“Just another experienced guy that is going to compete for a spot,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said at the time of Moore’s signing, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “He had a great season a few years ago. He understands what he needs to do. Physically, he looks great, just like Adam (Ottavino), just another adult in the room. They’ve been there for a while in this grind, and they understand what it takes. Where we are as a team now, experience comes into play.”

Moore, who struggled last season to the tune of a 5.03 ERA in 51 outings with the Los Angeles Angels, made four appearances for the Red Sox in spring training and didn’t yield an earned run.

But it wasn’t enough to get him on the active roster with the Red Sox going with three lefties in their bullpen in Aroldis Chapman, Justin Wilson and Brennan Bernardino.

The Red Sox outrighting a pitcher they designated for assignment to Worcester on Thursday also might have played a factor in Moore’s release.