Red Sox Scouting Free-Agent P Ryan Madson

The Boston Red Sox have scouted free-agent pitcher Ryan Madson according to Ken Rosenthal via Twitter.  The baseball insider states that the Sox are one of ‘many’ teams that have checked in on Madson who hasn’t pitched since the 2011 season.

Plagued by injury last season after recovering from Tommy John Surgery that forced him to miss the entire 2012 campaign, Madson is looking to make it back to the majors.

The Red Sox were interested in Madson’s services prior to the 2011 season when the Phillies former closer was a free-agent.  Eventually signing with the Cincinatti Reds on a one-year deal for $6 million, Madson was never able to prove worthy of the deal, missing the year as previously stated due to TJS.

Last season he signed on with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim but as Rosenthal noted, complications from the surgery forced him to miss yet another year.

With Boston picking up Edward Mujica to bolster the bullpen, it’s hard to fathom where Madson would fit in.  Then again, if he could be had on a one-year deal worth $1-2 million and can prove he’s healthy enough to endure a full season, then he could be a low cost middle-relief guy.

GM Ben Cherington has said that the Red Sox are likely finished making the ‘big’ moves this offseason and will focus on more opportunistic signings.  Ryan Madson would certainly qualify as one of those, should they pursue him any further.