Red Sox’s Justin Slaten Takes Big Step In Rehab; What’s Next?

Slowly but surely, Justin Slaten is working his way back to the Red Sox. The right-hander played catch Friday for the first time since getting injured, Masslive.com’s Christopher Smith reported Saturday. According to Smith’s post on X, Slaten is feeling better but the team has not scheduled a bullpen session.

Slaten, 27, landed on the injured list June 1 with shoulder fatigue. Earlier this month, The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey reported Slaten has an “apparent nerve issue in his neck, which is impacting his shoulder.”

“We don’t even really know what to call it,” Slaten told Healey.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday Slaten still hadn’t resumed throwing, according to Healey.

But if all goes according to plan, Slaten will begin a minor-league rehab assignment in the near future, according to Masslive.com’s Chris Cotillo.

Slaten last pitched for the Red Sox on May 28 in Milwaukee and had been one of the key eighth-inning arms to set up closer Aroldis Chapman.

Before going down, Slaten made 24 appearances out of the Red Sox bullpen, going 1-4 with three saves while posting a 3.47 ERA.

According to Baseball Reference, 18 of Slaten’s 24 appearances were “high leverage,” which it defines as “those where the outcome of the game is most likely to be impacted by a specific play or event.”

Smith also reported Saturday the Red Sox moved Slaten to the 60-day injured list while reinstating left-handed reliever Chris Murphy from the 60-day IL. As a result, Slaten cannot return to the majors until July 28, according to Cotillo. Boston also placed right-handed reliever Luis Guerrero on the injured list with an elbow problem.

The Red Sox could use some reinforcements in the bullpen. Boston relievers have a 6.17 ERA during the last seven days, which is worst in the American League. The bullpen has been charged with five losses during the Red Sox’s season-high six-game losing streak.