Coming off back-to-back home losses (and late-game collapses) for the first time since early June, the Boston Red Sox shuffled their bullpen prior to the final game of their five-game homestand on Tuesday.
Before Tuesday’s series finale against the Baltimore Orioles, the Red Sox announced that they have recalled left-handed reliever Brennan Bernardino from Triple-A Worcester. In a corresponding move, Boston optioned left-handed reliever Jovani Morán to Worcester.
Bernardino last pitched for the Red Sox on July 28 and was having a good season before being demoted to make room for lefty reliever Steven Matz, who was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals at the MLB Trade Deadline. In 47 appearances before being sent down, he was 4-2 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP in 43 2/3 innings.
The 33-year-old continued to pitch well in Worcester with a 2.25 ERA in four appearances, earning a promotion back to the Major Leagues. He should be well-rested after pitching just four innings over the last three weeks.
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Morán was sent down after struggling during Boston’s 6-3 loss to the Orioles on Monday. He allowed two runs on two hits and three walks in two innings, raising his ERA to 6.75 in two appearances this season.
While he has five strikeouts in four innings this year, the 28-year-old southpaw still needs to work on his control, as he’s also issued three walks.
The Red Sox are hopeful that Bernardino’s fresh and reliable arm can help them win Tuesday’s game and end their homestand on a high note before heading to the Bronx for a crucial four-game series with the New York Yankees. Bernardino will likely be needed this weekend against the Yankees’ plethora of left-handed sluggers, including Cody Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm, Trent Grisham, Ben Rice and Austin Wells.
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Featured image via Jeffrey Becker/USA TODAY Sports Images
