Red Sox: Who will go and stay in the bullpen as roster moves loom?

Red Sox bullpen shake-up possible as relievers near returns

The Boston Red Sox bullpen has been good to very good, but not great. There is room for improvement or possible improvement and that time nears. Recent recruit Brandon Workman is positioning himself for a return with some quality work at Worcester. In the wings is Ryan Brasier who is working his way back to health. The big “IF” is when they are ready. Then who goes?

The Red Sox are under no obligation with Workman or Brasier. The team could also have a “sudden” injury. Even the most incidental of physical tweaks can result in cautionary use of the IL. Trades are another consideration as the Red Sox can explore external rather than internal options. Keep a close watch on fading teams since that usually triggers opportunity. But back to who goes?

Matt Barnes, Adam Ottavino, and Hirokazu Sawamura are safe thanks to performance and contract status. Matt Andriese has had the shakes with his ERA nudging over the 5.00 mark. However, Andriese has a comfortable contract, a long and positive performance track record, and should be on an island of safety.

Garrett Whitlock has options but also has been quite solid. Whitlock is not base on balls prone and has rebounded well from the occasional meltdown – usually a home run. Maybe the next few weeks will change that and the 25-year-old righty could be visiting Kelly Square?

There are two lefties in the bullpen with Josh Taylor and Darwinzon Hernández. Hernández’s awful 11.1 BB% is offset by an impressive 23.6 K%. Hernández could be the closer of the future if he can learn to limit the free passes. Taylor is certainly vulnerable. He has not duplicated his fine 2019 debut. The walks are his personal plague and his only possible safety net is being a lefty. Left-hand hitters are just swatting .172 against him.