Atchison Heads To The Big Apple

September 21, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher

(48) pitches during the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Until he got injured last year (was there a members of the Red Sox who didn’t get injured last year?), Scott Atchison was one of the best relievers Boston had. The 26-year old righty, one of Boston’s bullpen stalwarts since 2010, signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets today. The Mets also invited Atchison to spring training. If he does what he’s always done, Atchison will likely secure a spot in the Mets’ bullpen.

Since 2010 Atchison was a work horse in Boston. He appeared in 102 games and pitched 141 innings, posting and average ERA of 3.11, striking out (94), nearly three times as many batters as he walked (34) with a WHIP OF 1.16. If he was that dependable then what’s he doing in New York?

Take look a Boston’s 40 man roster.  In the end, Boston’s offseason moves left no place for Atchison. The acquisition of Joel Hanrahan as the closer, which pushed Adnrew Bailey to a set up role and the further acquisition of Koji Uehara left Boston fat with bullpen options. Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard, Craig Breslow, Andrew Miller, Franklin Morales, Clayton Mortensen and Junichi Tazawa will make for a crowded house. Something had to give.

In 2010 Atchison appeared in 42 games. Over of 51-1/3 innings, he struck out 36 and walked only nine. He posted a WHIP of 0.994 and a 1.58 ERA. I’m glad he went to the Mets so he’ll be less likely to come back and torture Boston in the AL.