The Boston Red Sox have called up right-handed pitcher William Cueva to provided depth for their weary bullpen.
Did someone call for backup? The bullpen for the Boston Red Sox is about to get some.
Right-hander William Cuevas has been recalled from Pawtucket, taking the spot of infielder Deven Marrero, who was optioned back to the team’s Triple-A affiliate.
Cuevas has spent this season as a starter for the PawSox, but will be used as a reliever for as long as he is with the big league team. The 25-year old had one previous stint with the Red Sox back in April, allowing two earned runs over 2 1/3 innings in his only appearance.
He is 4-3 with a 3.30 ERA in 12 starts for Pawtucket this season. He has struck out only 48 and walked 29 batters through 72 2/3 innings, giving him ratios that will be difficult to succeed with in the majors. Cuevas hasn’t pitched since June 19, so his fresh arm seems to be the biggest factor that led to him getting the nod.
Today the #RedSox recalled RHP William Cuevas from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned INF Deven Marrero to Pawtucket. pic.twitter.com/qzxaRP2LN3
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 25, 2016
The team could use some additional depth after starter David Price failed to make it out of the third inning in Friday night’s game in Texas. Matt Barnes and Tommy Layne both pitched 2+ innings in relief, so they may both be unavailable tonight. Heath Hembree was used for the third consecutive day, putting his status in doubt.
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The good news is that the Red Sox will send Steven Wright to the mound against the Rangers tonight. The knuckle ball pitcher is coming off of a complete game and has lasted at least 7 innings in 6 of his last 7 starts. Hopefully he’ll be able to let the bullpen stay mostly rested in this game.
Then again, we didn’t expect such an early exit from the $217 million man in Friday’s game. The way the Rangers are swinging the bat lately, perhaps not even the league-leader in ERA is safe from this lineup.
It’s unlikely that Cuevas makes it into tonight’s game unless Wright gets knocked out early or manager John Farrell needs to trot some unlucky soul out to the mound for mop up duty in a game that has gotten out of hand.
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Then again, after last night’s epic comeback, is any game ever truly out of hand? We may get an answer to that if we end up seeing Cuevas on the mound. His addition to the roster is simply to protect the rest of the bullpen from overuse. Better to call him up and not need him than to find out you need him but don’t have him.