Red Sox Reportedly Lose Key Bullpen Piece To Division Rival

The Boston Red Sox reportedly lost one of their best bullpen arms.

The Tampa Bay Rays are closing in on a deal with left-handed pitcher Steven Matz, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Matz is expected to receive a two-year deal if he passes the physical, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Matz, who was acquired at the trade deadline, finished with a 2.08 ERA, while allowing just five total runs and walking only two batters, across 21 total appearances with Boston. Matz previously spent time in both starting and relief roles with the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals.

It’s a move that will almost certainly have an impact on the way the club does business moving forward.

The Red Sox would like to add another left-handed option in the bullpen to complement Aroldis Chapman — with some floating a possible reunion as the best course of action, while others believe there could be opportunities with other external options.

Matz, however, will only be returning to Fenway Park as a visitor.