Red Sox Rumors: Veteran Promoted To Bring Much-Needed Depth

The Boston Red Sox were in desperate need of bullpen depth following a rough few days — so they did something about it.

Cooper Criswell was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, according to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. Tim Healey, one of his partners on the beat, shared the news.

Criswell, 29, will serve as a potential long-relief option as Boston looks to climb back into its series with the Minnesota Twins. It’s been a brutal couple of days for the club, who not only had their flight grounded on Sunday, but suffered a brutal walk-off loss on Monday.

Jordan Hicks was the only pitcher available to them in the loss, as Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock and Justin Wilson were all unavailable due to injury, illness and workload, respectively. Hicks eventually blew a save after he fully warmed but was forced to then sit for 90 minutes as rain caused a delay at Target Field.

Criswell, in his fourth stint with the club this season, has a 5.06 ERA across six appearances in 2025. The Red Sox would like to see him tap into what has worked with the WooSox should they need him Tuesday, as he boasts a much better 3.32 ERA across 59 2/3 innings pitched at the lower level.

Richard Fitts, who started the brutal loss, will presumably be demoted to make room.