Red Sox claim right-handed pitcher Doug Fister off waivers
By Sean Penney
The Boston Red Sox have claimed right-handed pitcher Doug Fister off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels, adding depth to a depleted rotation.
The Boston Red Sox are adding some depth to their starting rotation.
SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo reports that the Red Sox have claimed right-handed pitcher Doug Fister off release waivers from the Los Angeles Angels.
Red Sox actually claimed Doug Fister off release waivers from the Angels, source confirms to SBN.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 23, 2017
Fister has the option to reject the claim and hit free agency instead, yet it seems unlikely that he’ll turn down the chance to be added to Boston’s 40-man roster. By joining the Red Sox organization he’ll be paid a pro-rated portion of his $1.75 million salary for this season. He can also earn up to $1 million in incentives based on games started or up to $200,000 based on innings pitched in relief.
The 33-year old has ties to the Red Sox president of baseball operations, having spent two and a half seasons with the Detroit Tigers when Dave Dombrowski served as the team’s general manager.
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Fister has yet to appear in the majors this season. He went 1-1 with a 4.02 ERA in three starts with the Angels Triple-A affiliate. He’s coming off the worst season of his career, having gone 12-13 with a 4.64 ERA with the Houston Astros.
The veteran has a solid track record and has proven capable of handling a heavy workload when healthy. His 3.60 career ERA is nothing to scoff at and he finished 8th on the NL Cy Young ballot only three years ago. He’s clearly not the same pitcher anymore, yet should still be worth the low-risk gamble the Red Sox are taking.
It’s unclear if Fister will head to Pawtucket or jump right into Boston’s rotation. The Red Sox have already lost Steven Wright for the season and are currently without a clear timeline for Eduardo Rodriguez‘ return from the disabled list. Spot starter Brian Johnson hit the DL after being removed from his last start and has since been replaced by Hector Velazquez, who is currently penciled into the No. 5 spot in the rotation.
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Adding Fister to the mix gives Boston an alternative to turn to if Velazquez falters. He’s not the type of pitcher who will bring this rotation to new heights, but he provides depth in the event that the rotation crumbles from further injuries.