Red Sox Make Roster Moves Before Series Opener vs. Blue Jays
After defeating the Cincinnati Reds with eight relievers on Sunday, the Boston Red Sox replaced several of their bullpen arms with new ones.
The Red Sox have recalled right-handed relievers Josh Winckowski and Isaiah Campbell for the series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. Cam Booser and Brad Keller were optioned to Triple-A Worcester, thus Winckowski and Campbell assume their spots on the active roster.
Boston also placed catcher Connor Wong on the paternity list and named Tyler Heineman as his replacement.
Winckowski, who was sent to Worcester in mid-May, has made 12 major league appearances this season, including three starts. He went 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. The 25-year-old impressed as a starter for Worcester. He had a 2.87 ERA in seven appearances, six of which were starts, and his previous two starts with the WooSox were both six innings.
Winckowski will provide some versatility to manager Alex Cora as a lengthy relief option, and the righty may get a chance to start.
Campbell, who the Red Sox acquired in an offseason trade with the Seattle Mariners, will get another chance after struggling to start the season and battling with an injury. Campbell allowed nine earned runs over 6 1/3 innings for the Red Sox.
Booser was a feel-good story for the Red Sox, making his MLB debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates in April at the age of 31. The left-hander fared admirably in 26 outings, striking out 33 batters in 28 innings and having a 3.21 ERA and 1.14 WHIP.
The Red Sox could not get much out of Keller, who joined the team in late May after being designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox. Keller had a 5.40 ERA across nine outings.
The Red Sox will aim to maintain their momentum after winning five of six games on their road trip. The Red Sox return home Monday night to begin a three-game series with the Blue Jays, and they will recognize the NBA champion Boston Celtics before the game.
