Key Red Sox Relief Pitcher Scheduled To Start Rehab Assignment

The Boston Red Sox could welcome a prominent pitcher back to the bullpen down the stretch.

Alex Cora revealed Monday, via The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, that Justin Slaten will report to Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment. The 27-year-old went on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation on June 1.

Given the lengthy absence, Slaten will likely need multiple minor league outings before he returns to Boston. Starting the assignment is still a massive step in his recovery, especially since the Red Sox planned initially for Slaten to throw live batting practice on Tuesday.

Slaten was a revelation for the Red Sox last year, recording a 2.93 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 55 1/3 innings. The Rule 5 draft pick acquired from the New York Mets notched 13 holds with 58 strikeouts to nine walks.

The 6-foot-4 righty didn’t display the same sterling command early this season, tallying 16 strikeouts and seven walks in 23 1/3 innings. However, Slaten still submitted a 3.47 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. He worked nine straight scoreless outings before relinquishing two unearned runs in his last appearance on May 28.

Boston’s bullpen boasts an American League-low 3.44 ERA this season, but any contender will welcome relief reinforcements down the stretch. That’s especially the case since the St. Louis Cardinals claimed Jorge Alcala off waivers last week, and Jordan Hicks has struggled early in his Red Sox tenure.

Slaten could give Cora another high-leverage option alongside Garrett Whitlock, Greg Weissert and All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman. He must first work his way back with the WooSox before Boston determines whether he can factor into the big league club’s September plans.