Tag: worcester red sox

Red Sox lose Phillips Valdez on waivers to Mariners

The Red Sox lost reliever Phillips Valdez on waivers to the Mariners over the weekend. Seattle claimed Valdez on Friday and promptly optioned him to its Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma, Wash.

Boston had designated Valdez for assignment three days prior in order to create space for Josh Winckowski, who did not count against the club’s 40-man roster while he was out on the COVID-19 related injured list.

Valdez, 30, was originally claimed by the Red Sox off waivers from the Mariners in February 2020. The right-hander made Boston’s Opening Day roster that summer and impressed during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign by posting a 3.26 ERA with 30 strikeouts to 16 walks over a career-high 24 relief appearances (30 1/3 innings pitched).

After producing a 5.85 ERA in 2021, Valdez had spent much of the 2022 campaign with the Red Sox being shuttled between Boston and Triple-A Worcester. With the big-league club, the Dominican-born hurler pitched to a 4.41 ERA (3.92 FIP) with 13 punchouts to seven walks across 13 outings spanning 16 1/3 innings of work. With the WooSox, he yielded a 3.06 ERA to go along with 19 strikeouts to 14 walks over 17 2/3 innings of relief.

Equipped with a changeup, sinker, and slider, Valdez has but one option year remaining, meaning the Mariners could stash him away at Triple-A for the rest of the season if they so choose.

That being said, Valdez made his Rainiers debut on Sunday, pitching a scoreless eighth inning in an 8-3 win over the El Paso Chihuahuas. He was followed by another former Red Sox reliever in Fernando Abad, who worked a shutout ninth inning to preserve the victory.

(Picture of Phillips Valdez: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Red Sox bring back José Peraza on minor-league deal

The Red Sox brought back infielder Jose Peraza on a minor-league contract over the weekend. The 28-year-old was assigned to Triple-A Worcester’s roster on Friday and appeared in two games during its series in Buffalo, going 4-for-7 with a double and two runs scored.

Peraza originally signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox in December 2019 after spending the first five years of his major-league career with the Dodgers and Reds. The native Venezuelan was Boston’s Opening Day second baseman in 2020, but batted just .225/.275/.342 with one home run, eight RBIs, 13 runs scored, and one stolen base across 34 games (120 plate appearances) before being optioned to the alternate training site in early September.

Following the conclusion of the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, Peraza became a free-agent once again before latching on with the Mets. The right-handed hitter appeared in 64 games for New York last year, slashing .204/.266/.380 with six homers, 20 RBIs, 21 runs scored, and one stolen base over 154 trips to the plate.

Last November, Peraza inked a minors pact with the Yankees. Though he did not make the team out of spring training, he remained with the organization and reported to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre earlier this spring. As a member of the RailRiders, Peraza batted .239/.293/.368 with five home runs, 29 RBIs, 20 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 63 games (229 plate appearances). He became a free-agent on July 15 by exercising one of the opt-outs in his contract.

It did not take Peraza too long to land back on his feet and re-join an organization he is surely familiar with. The Red Sox had a need for a versatile veteran such as Peraza given how many players the club has had to call up from Worcester in recent weeks to fill in for injured players.

That being said, Peraza has major-league experience at every infield position besides first base as well as all three outfield positions. He should provide the WooSox with seasoned depth across the diamond, particularly up the middle of the infield.

(Picture of Jose Peraza: Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Red Sox bring back Danny Santana on minor-league deal

The Red Sox have brought back veteran utility man Danny Santana on a minor-league deal, according to the team’s transactions log. Santana, who has not played in any capacity this season after receiving an 80-game suspension for a positive PED test, will report to Boston’s rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate in Fort Myers.

The 31-year-old Santana originally signed a minors pact with the Sox last March before having his contract selected in May. The versatile switch-hitter appeared in 38 games for Boston, batting just .181/.252/.345 with five home runs, 14 RBIs, 15 runs scored, and four stolen bases while seeing playing time at first base, left field, and center field. He was also included on the club’s ALDS and ALCS rosters.

After electing free agency in November, Santana tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone, which resulted in the aforementioned 80-game ban that was handed down to him in April.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Santana is a veteran of eight major-league seasons between the Twins, Braves, Rangers, and Red Sox. He originally broke in with Minnesota in 2014 and was named Texas’ Player of the Year in 2019.

In addition to his versatility, Santana is also known for his speed. And while he will begin his second stint with the Red Sox in Fort Myers, the expectation is that Santana will work his way up to Triple-A Worcester before long and provide the club with experienced depth at numerous positions there.

As a member of the WooSox last season, Santana slashed .300/.404/.575 to go along with five doubles, two home runs, four RBIs, eight runs scored, two stolen bases, seven walks, and nine strikeouts across 12 games spanning 47 trips to the plate.

(Picture of Danny Santana: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Red Sox roster moves: Josh Winckowski activated from COVID-19 related injured list; Darwinzon Hernandez, Connor Seabold optioned to Triple-A Worcester; Phillips Valdez designated for assignment

The Red Sox have activated right-hander Josh Winckowski from the COVID-19 related injured list, the club announced before Tuesday’s game against the Guardians at Fenway Park.

In order to make room for Winckowski on the major-league roster, left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Worcester. In order to make room for Winckowski on the 40-man roster, fellow righty Phillips Valdez was designated for assignment.

Additionally, right-hander Connor Seabold was activated from the 15-day injured list and — like Hernandez — was optioned to Worcester following Monday night’s 3-1 win over Cleveland.

Winckowski returns from the COVID-related injured list after testing positive for the virus on July 13. The 24-year-old, who is vaccinated, has posted a 4.38 ERA and 4.26 FIP with 26 strikeouts to 14 walks over seven starts (37 innings pitched) since making his major-league debut for Boston in late May. He will make his eighth start of the season on Tuesday night.

Hernandez made his season debut for the Red Sox on July 14 after missing the previous two months while recovering from surgery to repair a torn right meniscus. The 25-year-old Venezuelan allowed six runs (five earned) on seven hits, two walks, and six strikeouts across four relief appearances spanning 3 2/3 innings of work. With the WooSox, he has pitched to a 5.09 ERA over 23 innings.

Valdez, meanwhile, was originally claimed off waivers from the Mariners in February 2020. The Dominican-born reliever impressed during the shortened 2020 season but has mainly been shuttled between Boston and Worcester for the better part of the last two years.

In 13 appearances for the Red Sox this season, Valdez produced a 4.41 ERA — but much more respectable 3.92 FIP — to go along with 13 strikeouts to seven walks over 16 2/3 innings pitched. Boston will have the next seven days to either trade, release, or sneak the 30-year-old hurler through waivers. If Valdez clears waivers, he could be outrighted to Worcester and remain in the organization as a non-40-man player.

As for Seabold, the 26-year-old was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm extensor strain on July 9, one day after he surrendered seven runs to the Yankees in just 2 2/3 innings. Regarded by Baseball America as the No. 8 prospect in Boston’s farm system, Seabold owns a 2.09 ERA with 51 strikeouts to 14 walks over 11 starts (51 2/3 innings) for the WooSox this season.

Following Tuesday’s series of moves, the Red Sox’ 26-man and 40-man rosters are both at full capacity.

(Picture of Josh Winckowski: Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Red Sox option Darwinzon Hernandez to Triple-A Worcester ahead of Josh Winckowski’s return from COVID-19 related injured list

Following Monday night’s 3-1 win over the Guardians at Fenway Park, the Red Sox optioned left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez to Triple-A Worcester, according to MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo.

With Josh Winckowski slated to be activated from the COVID-19 related injured list and start against Cleveland on Tuesday, the Sox needed to clear a spot on their 26-man roster for the rookie right-hander.

They have accomplished this by optioning Hernandez, but will still need to create a 40-man roster spot for Winckowski since players on the COVID IL do not count against it and Boston’s 40-man roster is currently at full capacity.

Taking that into consideration, it’s certainly possible that someone like Phillips Valdez — who was optioned to Worcester on July 15 — could be designated for assignment at some point on Tuesday to create that 40-man opening for Winckowski.

Hernandez began the 2022 season at Worcester and made seven starts before suffering a torn right meniscus that ultimately required surgery in late May. The 25-year-old southpaw returned to action for the WooSox earlier this month and did not allow a run across four relief appearances before getting called up to Boston when Winckowski was placed on the COVID IL on July 14.

In his return to the Red Sox bullpen, Hernandez had posted a 3.86 ERA in his first three outings of the year before getting shelled for five runs (four earned) on six hits, one walk, and two strikeouts over 1 1/3 innings in Friday’s 28-5 loss to the Blue Jays.

Winckowski, meanwhile, made his major-league debut on May 28 and has since produced a 4.38 ERA (4.26 FIP) to go along with 26 strikeouts to 14 walks over seven starts spanning 37 innings of work for the Red Sox. The 24-year-old pitched well in his last time out against the Rays at Tropicana Field on July 13, yielding three runs on four hits, two walks, and five strikeouts across six solid frames.

That same night, Winckowski — who is vaccinated — reported COVID-like symptoms to the team and later tested positive for the virus. He was placed on the COVID-related injured list the following day and remained in Florida while in isolation.

Now fully recovered, Winckowski will make his eighth start of the season on Tuesday night. Back on June 25, the Ohio-born righty allowed two runs and struck out four in 5 1/3 innings against the Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

The Guardians, on the other hand, have not yet named a starter for Tuesday’s contest. That being said, first pitch from Fenway Park is still scheduled for 7:10 p.m. eastern time on NESN.

(Picture of Darwinzon Hernandez: Elsa/Getty Images)

Red Sox place Rafael Devers on 10-day injured list with right hamstring inflammation, call up Jaylin Davis from Triple-A Worcester; Kiké Hernández transferred to 60-day injured list

The Red Sox have placed third baseman Rafael Devers on the 10-day injured list with right hamstring inflammation. In a pair of corresponding moves, outfielder Jaylin Davis had his contract selected from Triple-A Worcester while utility man Enrique Hernandez was transferred from the 10- to the 60-day injured list, the club announced prior to Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays at Fenway Park.

Devers sustained his hamstring injury in Friday night’s 28-5 loss to Toronto. It may have happened during his final at-bat when he lined out to left field for the second out of the fifth inning, but he also looked uncomfortable while running out a double off Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman in the bottom of the first.

“He says he felt it in the swing (final at-bat). If you see him running the bases on the first one, the double, he didn’t look too good rounding first,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters (including MassLive.com’s Christopher Smith) on Saturday. “I guess he kept grinding. There was a swing and he grabbed it. I was like, ‘Are you OK?’ He was like, ‘Nah.’”

Devers, who started last Tuesday’s All-Star Game in Los Angeles, missed a handful of games earlier this month because of lower back pain and a sore right hamstring. The 25-year-old slugger currently leads the Red Sox in several offensive categories, including hits (113), home runs (22), runs scored (62), batting average (.324), slugging percentage (.602), and OPS (.981).

It is unclear how much time Devers will miss because of his inflamed right hamstring. He will be eligible to come off the injured list when the Red Sox are in Houston on August 2. In the meantime, Davis will take his place on the major-league roster.

Davis, 28, appeared in two games for Boston in late April/early May, going 2-for-4 with two singles and two strikeouts. The right-handed hitter was designated for assignment on May 14 but cleared waivers and was outrighted to Worcester. Since then, he has batted .242/.358/.385 (105 wRC+) with four home runs, 12 RBIs, and 25 runs scored in his last 47 games (190 plate appearances) with the WooSox.

The Red Sox were able to open a spot on their 40-man roster by transferring Hernandez to the 60-day injured list. The versatile 30-year-old has been sidelined with a right hip flexor strain since June 8 and is now not eligible to return to action until August 7.

Boston’s 40-man roster is now at full capacity. Another spot will need to be created once rookie right-hander Josh Winckowski is ready to be activated from the COVID-19 related injured list.

(Picture of Rafael Devers: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Red Sox place Chris Sale on 15-day injured list, option Connor Wong to Triple-A Worcester; Brayan Bello, Yolmer Sánchez called up

Before opening a three-game weekend series against the Blue Jays at Fenway Park on Friday night, the Red Sox made a series of roster moves.

First off, left-hander Chris Sale was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left fifth finger fracture, retroactive to July 19. To take Sale’s place on the active roster, right-hander Brayan Bello was recalled from Triple-A Worcester.

Additionally, catcher Connor Wong was optioned to Worcester on Thursday. To take Wong’s place on the active roster, veteran infielder Yolmer Sanchez was selected to the 40-man roster from Worcester.

Sale, in the first inning of his second start of the season against the Yankees on Sunday, was struck in the hand by a 106.7 mph line drive off the bat of Aaron Hicks. The 33-year-old southpaw was immediately removed from the game and was later diagnosed with a broken left pinky. He underwent surgery — or an open reduction and internal fixation of a left fifth finger proximal phalanx fracture — in Wellesley, Mass. on Monday. The Red Sox are optimistic that he will pitch again this season.

Bello, meanwhile, is up with the Sox for the second time this season. The 23-year-old prospect made two starts against the Rays (one at home, one on the road) earlier this month and allowed a total of nine runs on 13 hits, six walks, and seven strikeouts over eight combined innings of work. He is expected to start Sunday’s series finale against Toronto.

On the position player side of things, Wong was optioned back down to Worcester so that the Red Sox could add another infielder (Sanchez) to their roster in place of the injured Trevor Story.

Wong took the place of Story on the major-league roster when the second baseman was placed on the 10-day injured list on Saturday. He appeared in two games during last weekend’s series in the Bronx and went 1-for-1 with a single.

Sanchez, meanwhile, made a brief cameo for Boston as a COVID-19 substitute back in June. Filling in for the then-unvaccinated Jarren Duran in Toronto on June 28, Sanchez went 0-for-1 with a walk and sacrifice bunt.

With the WooSox this season, the switch-hitting 30-year-old has batted .247/.378/.413 with 12 doubles, one triple, nine home runs, 33 RBIs, 43 runs scored, six stolen bases, 50 walks, and 67 strikeouts over 78 games (303 plate appearances) while seeing playing time at every infield position besides first base.

The Red Sox did not not need to create an opening on their 40-man roster for Sanchez since rookie right-hander Josh Winckowski is currently on the COVID-19 related injured list. Boston’s 40-man roster is now at full capacity.

(Picture of Yolmer Sanchez: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Red Sox top prospect Triston Casas set to rejoin Triple-A Worcester this weekend

Top Red Sox prospect Triston Casas is expected to return to Triple-A Worcester’s lineup for its series against the Syracuse Mets at Polar Park this weekend, according to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

Casas, 22, has spent the last two months on Worcester’s injured list after suffering a high right ankle sprain while running the basepaths in a game on May 17.

At that time, the Red Sox were optimistic that Casas would not be sidelined for long and would be able to return to action in a matter of weeks. But due to the nature of his injury, the 6-foot-4, 252-pound left-handed hitter struggled to put weight on his landing foot.

It was only just recently that Casas was able to once again swing a bat pain-free while working out at the Sox’ spring training complex in Fort Myers. The Miami-area native then began a rehab assignment with the club’s Florida Complex League affiliate last Tuesday.

In four games — the last of which came on Saturday — with the FCL Red Sox, Casas went 6-for-14 (.429) with three doubles, one home run, three RBIs, three runs scored, three walks, and two strikeouts. As noted by Speier, he tested his ankle by playing three straight days.

With the WooSox this season, Casas is batting .248/.359/.457 (115 wRC+) to go along with nine doubles, six homers, 22 RBIs, 22 runs scored, 23 walks, and 25 strikeouts over 36 games and 156 plate appearances. Beyond those numbers, he was hitting the ball hard and playing solid defense at first base.

Were it not for his ankle injury, the hulking first baseman very well could have been on the verge of making his major-league debut right about now. Instead, his two-month absence has all but certainly pushed back his call-up window.

That being said, the Red Sox have struggled to find consistent production from their first basemen throughout the 2022 season. In the month of July alone, Franchy Cordero has posted a .446 OPS in his last 15 games while Bobby Dalbec has an OPS of .689 in his last 13 contests.

Per MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo, Boston is going to look for upgrades at first base ahead of the August 2 trade deadline. While trade candidates such as Washington’s Josh Bell or Kansas City’s Hunter Dozier are possibilities, Casas could emerge as a possible solution for the Sox’ first-base woes now that he is healthy.

(Picture of Triston Casas: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox place Josh Winckowski on COVID-19 related injured list, recall Darwinzon Hernandez from Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox have placed right-hander Josh Winckowski on the COVID-19 related injured list. In a corresponding move, left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez has been recalled from Triple-A Worcester, the club announced prior to Thursday’s series finale against the Rays.

Winckowski, who is vaccinated against COVID-19, has tested positive for the virus. The 24-year-old could be out for the next 10 days, though he could return sooner if he registers two negative PCR tests, goes more than 24 hours without a fever, and receives approval from Major League Baseball’s joint medical committee.

Since making his major-league debut in May, Winckowski has made seven starts for the Red Sox, posting a 4.38 ERA and 4.25 FIP to go along with 26 strikeouts to 14 walks over 37 innings of work. Considering that the rookie hurler started against the Rays on Wednesday, he was unlikely to pitch again before the All-Star break.

While on the COVID-19 related injured list, Winckowski will not count against Boston’s 40-man roster, which currently sits at 39 players.

Hernandez, meanwhile, returns to the Red Sox for the first time this season. The 25-year-old southpaw did not make the Opening Day roster out of spring training and was instead sent down to Worcester to work on a starter’s schedule.

Seven starts into his season with the WooSox, Hernandez suffered a torn right meniscus that ultimately required him to undergo knee surgery in late May. The native Venezuelan was sidelined for a little more than two months before being activated from Worcester’s injured list on July 4.

In four relief appearances for the WooSox since then, Hernandez has yet to allow a run while scattering two hits, two walks, and six strikeouts across 3 1/3 innings out of the bullpen.

With the Red Sox last year, Hernandez posted a 3.38 ERA and 4.80 FIP with 54 strikeouts to 31 walks over 48 outings spanning 40 innings of relief.

(Picture of Josh Winckowski: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Jay Groome to Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Jay Groome from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, per the team’s minor-league transactions log.

Groome, who turns 24 next month, is currently regarded by Baseball America as the No. 13 prospect in Boston’s farm system, ranking sixth among pitchers in the organization.

In 16 appearances (14 starts) for the Sea Dogs this season, the 23-year-old left-hander posted a 3.52 ERA and 4.92 FIP to go along with 81 strikeouts to 38 walks over 76 2/3 innings of work.

Among qualified Eastern League pitchers, Groome ranks 11th in strikeout rate (24.9%), fourth in batting average against (.206), and fifth in ERA, per FanGraphs.

Originally selected by Boston with the 12th overall pick in the 2016 amateur draft out of Barnegat High School in New Jersey, Groome has endured plenty of ups-and-downs throughout his professional career. His first full season in pro ball was mired by arm injuries, ultimately resulting in him undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2018.

Upon returning from Tommy John, Groome made a handful of rehab starts to close out the 2019 campaign. Then in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the minor-league season altogether. Limited to working out at the Sox’ alternate training site in Pawtucket, Groome was later added to the club’s 40-man roster that November in order to receive protection from the Rule 5 Draft.

After splitting 2021 between High-A Greenville and Portland, Groome returned to the Sea Dogs’ starting rotation for the start of the 2022 season and now finds himself on the cusp of the major-leagues.

Listed at 6-foot-6 and 257 pounds, Groome throws from a three-quarters arm slot and operates with a four-pitch mix that consists of a low-90s four-seam fastball that has topped out at 95 mph, a 76-80 mph curveball, a 79-82 mph changeup, and an 85-87 mph slider, according to his SoxProspects.com scouting report.

Groome, who will wear the No. 77 with the WooSox, becomes the latest Red Sox starting pitching prospect to make the jump from Portland to Worcester this year. The lefty joins fellow southpaws Brandon Walter and Chris Murphy as well as right-hander Brayan Bello.

(Picture of Jay Groome: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)