The Boston Red Sox selected RHP Justin Haley to the major league roster from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned Jalen Beeks.
The Jalen Beeks era did not last long. The Boston Red Sox optioned the lefty back to Triple-A Pawtucket following a rough major league debut in which he was shelled for six earned runs.
Right-handed pitcher Justin Haley has been added to the big league roster to take the place of Beeks.
The #RedSox today selected RHP Justin Haley to the active major league roster from Triple-A Pawtucket. To make room on the 25-man roster, the club optioned LHP Jalen Beeks to Pawtucket following last night’s game.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 8, 2018
Haley will wear #65.
The Red Sox’ 40-man roster is now at 39.
The 26-year old has started 11 games for Pawtucket this season. He’s 3-6 with a 3.18 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts over 56 2/3 innings.
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Being a starter in Triple-A doesn’t guarantee Haley a spot in Boston’s rotation. It’s more likely he’ll be used out of the bullpen. The Red Sox temporarily shifted to a six-man rotation that included Steven Wright. Beeks was given the opportunity for a spot start when Drew Pomeranz went on the disabled list and the team decided not to deviate from the plan to give their starters extra rest. Assuming they don’t plan to keep six starters this time through the rotation, the Red Sox can simply keep Wright in the starting role.
The other Red Sox starters are already lined up to take the mound over the next four games. The starter for the June 12 game in Baltimore has yet to be announced. Wright could slot into that spot, a full week after his last appearance.
Wright is 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA in seven appearances this season, including one start. The former All-Star has earned the opportunity to step into the rotation now that a spot has opened.
It’s hard to imagine the Red Sox see more immediate upside with Haley. While he was originally drafted by the Red Sox, Haley was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 2016 Rule 5 draft. He posted a 6.00 ERA in 18 innings of relief before the Twins designated him for assignment, returning him to the Red Sox organization.
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Haley may not stick in the majors for long. The Red Sox may shuffle that final bullpen spot between a few relievers riding the shuttle between Boston and Pawtucket to keep a fresh arm available. At least until Pomeranz returns, sending Wright back to the long-relief role.