Red Sox Rumors: Struggling Reliever Designated For Assignment

The bottom of the bullpen is a difficult place to be. After a streak of poor outings, the Boston Red Sox reportedly designated Jorge Alcala for assignment and called up Isaiah Campbell to take his place, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.

Alcala started his Red Sox tenure strong. After being acquired in June, Alcala allowed just one earned run over his first 14 appearances. His last five appearances didn’t go as well. He allowed five earned runs over 3 1/3 innings and forced the Red Sox to go to high-leverage relievers on multiple occasions.

If Alcala clears waivers, he can be outrighted to the minor leagues. With his velocity, it wouldn’t be surprising to see another organization take a shot at getting the best out of the struggling reliever.

Campbell is headed to Boston to take Alcala’s place. He’s pitched in one game this season and allowed two runs in two innings. The righty has a 4.17 ERA over 45 1/3 innings in the minor leagues this season.

Zack Kelly and Nick Burdi were both recently returned from the injured list and could be other low-leverage reliever options should Campbell struggle.

Liam Hendriks also hopes to pitch again this season and could rejoin the bullpen, but that wouldn’t come until later in the season.