Red Sox Rumors: Key Pitcher Still Far From Return Date

The Red Sox bullpen needs reinforcements. Since the beginning of May, the bullpen has thrown 141.2 innings. Only the Milwaukee Brewers have used their bullpen more over that span.

Justin Slaten was a key contributor in the bullpen early this season, often coming in for the seventh or eighth inning in close games. According to Baseball Reference, 18 of Slaten’s 24 appearances were “high leverage”. That’s tied for the team lead with Aroldis Chapman, who’s appeared in 28 games.

Slaten was placed on the injured list on June 1st with shoulder fatigue. He was optimistic at the time, hoping to only spend the minimum amount of time on the IL before returning. June 13th is the earliest he can be activated, but it doesn’t look likely at this point.

According to MassLive’s Christopher Smith, Slaten still hasn’t begun playing catch. Given that he’ll need to ramp up a throwing progression before returning to major league action, he appears not to be bouncing back from injury as quickly as he hoped.

The righty is in the middle of a 10-game streak without allowing an earned run. Greg Weissert has stepped into a high-leverage role in Slaten’s absence and performed well. He struck out the side in the seventh inning of Saturday’s 10-7 win over the New York Yankees.

Craig Breslow has been active with the bottom of the roster, moving around relievers to find a balance of length and leverage arms. Zack Kelly, Luis Guerrero, Cooper Criswell, and Robert Stock have all moved between Worcester and Boston in recent days. Until Slaten returns, the team will have to continue to find quality innings out of the bullpen.