Red Sox Shuffle Bullpen With Series Of Roster Moves

The Boston Red Sox shuffled the bullpen in a series of roster moves on Saturday.

Left-handed pitcher Chris Murphy was activated off the injured list, while Luis Guerrero was placed on the IL with an elbow strain. Justin Slaten was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Murphy on the roster.

Murphy hasn’t pitched since 2023 due to elbow injuries. In his debut season, he posted a 4.91 ERA in 47 2/3 innings. He struck out 23.1% of hitters and walked 8%. He was very effective against lefties, limiting them to a .240 batting average and .673 OPS.

He underwent Tommy John surgery early in 2024 and has been rehabbing in the minor leagues since May 28. Across 11 rehab appearances, he pitched 14 innings. He topped out at two innings, but previously served in a long relief role.

Luis Guerrero has been up and down between Boston and Triple-A Worcester this season. He registered a 4.15 ERA over 13 appearances.

Slaten was placed on the 15-day IL on June 1 with a shoulder injury. The move was retroactive to May 29, so the earliest he can return is July 28. He played catch for the first time on Friday.

Brennan Bernardino and Justin Wilson are the other left-handed options in the bullpen. Wilson has been incredibly effective against lefties but struggled with righties, while Bernardino has more neutral splits.