Red Sox Option Struggling Reliever To Minors

The Boston Red Sox are continuing to search for an answer to their bullpen troubles.

After Tuesday’s loss to the Baltimore Orioles, the team optioned Isaiah Campbell to Triple-A Worcester. The righty appeared in five games since being recalled in early August. He fired a scoreless inning three times and allowed four runs in the other two outings.

Most notably, Campbell failed to shut the door against the Miami Marlins on August 16, allowing three runs and cutting the Marlins’ deficit to two. Aroldis Chapman was forced into the game, leaving him unavailable the next day. The Red Sox blew a ninth-inning lead the following day.

The team didn’t announce a corresponding move, but a spot on the active roster is open. The move is likely to be for a reliever, as the bullpen was used heavily on Tuesday and the Red Sox’s rotation is on normal rest.

They may be waiting to see how Justin Slaten feels tomorrow following his first rehab appearance on Tuesday.

Cooper Criswell is another option. Criswell pitched out of the bullpen for Worcester on August 14 and is well rested. He has a 3.57 ERA in 17 2/3 major league innings this season.

The Red Sox have an off-day on Wednesday before starting a four-game series with the New York Yankees on Thursday. Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, Garrett Crochet and Dustin May are lined up to start.