Red Sox: 5 DFA candidates to clear a roster spot for Chris Sale
By Sean Penney
Red Sox reliever Matt Andriese
Matt Andriese was a valuable weapon out of the Red Sox bullpen in April when he produced a 1.42 ERA in 12 2/3 innings. He imploded over the next couple of months, surrendering multiple earned runs in seven of his last 17 appearances. His ERA ballooned to 6.03 before he landed on the injured list with hamstring tendinitis in early July.
Andriese recently made his first rehab appearance for Triple-A Worcester. Barring a setback, a transfer to the 60-day IL isn’t in the cards so the Red Sox will need to make a decision on whether to activate or release him once the clock runs out on his rehab assignment.
He can be a useful asset in the bullpen if he regains his early-season form but Garrett Whitlock has convincingly claimed the role of the team’s top multi-inning reliever. The recently demoted Martin Perez can also log multiple innings in relief and Seabold is on the radar as a September call-up. The need for Andriese has diminished so he needs to prove he’s capable of more than mop-up duty in order to warrant bringing him back.
The Red Sox will almost certainly decline his $3.5 million team option for 2022. If they designate him for assignment, Boston is only on the hook for the remainder of his modest $1.85 million salary this season and his $250,000 buyout. If he isn’t ready to contribute down the stretch this season, cutting bait now wouldn’t alter their future roster plans.