The Red Sox have placed reliever Phillips Valdez on the COVID-19 related injured list after the right-hander tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday.
In a corresponding move, fellow righty Brad Peacock had his contract selected from Triple-A Worcester, the club announced shortly before the start of Sunday’s series finale against the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Valdez becomes the 12th Red Sox player to test positive for COVID-19 since their outbreak began a little more than two weeks ago on August 27. He also becomes the 10th player the club has out on the COVID-related IL, joining the likes of Christian Arroyo, Jonathan Arauz, Yairo Munoz, Jarren Duran, Martin Perez, Matt Barnes, Hirokazu Sawamura, Chris Sale, and Danny Santana.
Santana, like Valdez, tested positive this weekend as both Dominican nationals will now have to quarantine at the team’s hotel in Chicago.
Boston did just get Nick Pivetta from the COVID IL to start Sunday’s game against Chicago, but lose a potential relief option in Valdez for the time being.
At the moment, it’s unclear if Valdez is vaccinated against COVID-19, which could determine how much time he is forced to miss depending on if he exhibits any symptoms.
Through 28 appearances out of the Red Sox bullpen this season, the 29-year-old has posted a 5.85 ERA and 4.66 FIP to go along with 35 strikeouts to 19 walks over 40 innings of work across three separate stints with the club.
With Valdez entering into a quarantine period on account of his testing positive, the Sox quickly selected the contract of Peacock from Worcester.
The 33-year-old righty had just been returned to the WooSox on Saturday when Connor Seabold was called up to make his first career big-league start, but remained on Boston’s taxi squad and is back up already.
Acquired from the Indians in exchange for cash considerations on August 30, Peacock has allowed a total of nine runs — all earned — on six hits (two home runs), three walks, and three strikeouts in two outings spanning 5 1/3 innings pitched. That’s good for an ERA of 15.19.
(Picture of Phillips Valdez: Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
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