The Boston Red Sox have recalled left-handed reliever Bobby Poyner from Triple-A Pawtucket for what could be a brief visit to the big leagues.
Bobby Poyner is back in the big leagues. How long he’ll stick around this time has yet to be determined but it may be a quick stay in the Boston Red Sox bullpen.
The Red Sox recalled Poyner from Triple-A Pawtucket prior to Friday’s game in Texas. Right-handed reliever Marcus Walden was optioned to Pawtucket to clear a spot for Poyner.
The #RedSox today recalled LHP Bobby Poyner from Triple-A Pawtucket. To make room for Poyner on the 25-man roster, the club optioned RHP Marcus Walden to Pawtucket following last night’s game. pic.twitter.com/vzmfQtaThs
— Red Sox (@RedSox) May 4, 2018
Poyner was a surprise addition to the Opening Day roster after the lefty made a strong impression in spring training. He allowed two earned runs in seven innings of relief for the big league club before landing on the 10-day disabled list with a strained hamstring.
As the Red Sox pitching staff started to get healthier, there simply wasn’t room left when Poyner was ready to return. The Red Sox activated him as soon as he was eligible, only to immediately option him to Pawtucket.
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Poyner’s second go-around in the majors may be even shorter. Eduardo Rodriguez is currently away from the team on the family medical leave list. He’s expected to be available to start Saturday’s game but the Red Sox have to clear a 25-man roster spot first. It very well could be Poyner’s spot that is taken.
That’s unfortunate given how well Poyner has performed in his brief career. The sample size is admittedly small yet Poyner has performed better than Heath Hembree or Carson Smith. Those veteran relievers have longer track records and aren’t going to be sent to the minors unless an injury is involved. Poyner will almost certainly be the odd man out through no fault of his own.
The Red Sox could use a fresh arm after David Price couldn’t make it out of the fourth inning last night. Walden took one for the team by tossing a heroic 3 2/3 scoreless innings to wrap up the game and conserve the bullpen. He wouldn’t be available again for at least a few days. With E-Rod on his way back to the team, Walden would have been gone by the weekend anyway. Poyner won’t necessarily be used Friday night, but he’ll be available if they need him.
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We may not see much of Poyner in his latest stint but this probably won’t be the last time we see him. He can still play an important role for this team over the course of the season. Poyner should get used to the bus between Pawtucket and Boston.