Red Sox Prospect Added To WooSox Bullpen In Curious Move

The Boston Red Sox are one of the hottest teams in Major League Baseball with a record of 9-1 over their last 10 games and currently own the top spot in the American League Wild Card following a dominant seven-game winning streak.

While public opinion remains split regarding whether or not the Red Sox front office added enough talent at the trade deadline to keep the team competitive for the final two months of the season, right-hander Dustin May’s first start on Wednesday will offer a tantalizing first glimpse of how the team’s starting rotation will stack up against the competition during the final nine weeks of the regular season.

That said, the Red Sox are reportedly willing to tap into the team’s minor league system for help down the stretch run. Recently promoted to Triple-A Worcester from Double-A Portland, left-hander Payton Tolle and right-hander David Sandlin could become factors in Boston’s bullpen before the end of the season.

According to Tommy Cassell of The Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Sandlin was recently added to the WooSox’s bullpen, with the potential for a promotion to the big leagues a strong possibility.

“The Red Sox, happy with Sandlin’s performance as a starter in his second year with the organization, decided to start preparing the hard-throwing right-hander for a relief role with Worcester,” said Cassell. “If all goes well for Sandlin, there’s potential for a promotion to Boston to help the Red Sox with their playoff push.”

Sandlin made his first relief appearance with Worcester on Tuesday when he pitched 1 1/3 innings while earning his second win since his promotion on July 29. While far from perfect, the 24-year-old notched three strikeouts and allowed three hits and two earned runs in relief of WooSox starter José De León.

In 19 games this season, split between Portland and Worcester, Sandlin has a record of 7-4 with a 3.64 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 88 2/3 innings. He made headlines on June 22 when he pitched six innings and struck out nine batters in a combined no-hitter with Portland.

With rosters around the league expanding to 28 players on September 1, the addition of Sandlin could help Red Sox manager Alex Cora reduce the wear and tear on his heavily used bullpen down the stretch.