Red Sox recall De La Rosa, demote Workman
By Conor Duffy
Jun 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rubby De La Rosa (62) throws to the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
In need of a starting pitcher following last Saturday’s day-night double-header, the Red Sox have promoted Rubby De La Rosa to Boston to start tonight’s game against the Chicago White Sox. De La Rosa started five games in an earlier stint with the Red Sox, filling in for an injured Clay Buchholz, and performed admirably as he posted a 2.51 ERA and 3.75 K/BB in 32.1 innings. When Clay Buchholz returned from the disabled list, however, De La Rosa was forced back down to Pawtucket but will receive another chance to prove himself to the Red Sox here.
On the flip side of De La Rosa’s promotion is the demotion of Brandon Workman. However, this is a move that fans shouldn’t look too much into as Workman will be right back in the rotation as soon as Jake Peavy or another Red Sox starter is traded. Workman has posted a 4.13 ERA in 11 games (8 starts) and a 4.50 ERA in recent stint in the Red Sox’ rotation. In a season in which the Red Sox are not contending, however, the Red Sox will be trying to get as long a look at Workman as they possibly can, since his status as a starter or reliever is a question they will need to answer soon.
In a perfect world, the Red Sox will be able to trade Jake Peavy soon and thus slot both Workman and De La Rosa into the rotation for the remainder of the season. A trade of Peavy appears to be in the works as both the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves have reportedly shown interest in the veteran right-hander. Even if the Red Sox aren’t able to receive a large return for Peavy, they should still attempt to trade him as a long look at De La Rosa and Workman, whether successful or not, would be much more valuable than whatever Peavy is able to contribute. Ben Cherington likely realizes this and that’s why today’s transaction is not something to look into, as it’s simply a temporary move rather than any indication of future change.