Current Red Sox bullpen woes may complicate Craig Breslow's trade deadline approach

The Boston Red Sox's trade deadline plan was uncertain well into their June and July hot streak. Despite the uncertainty of their path, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow attested that starting pitching help is a high priority.

But the Sox's recent outings have also revealed issues in the bullpen. Boston could need more help than the front office originally bargained for.

Chris Martin, one of the Red Sox's best potential trade pieces, and Justin Slaten went on the injured list with elbow inflammation five days apart. The Sox don't believe either injury to be serious — great news, considering elbow injuries are often indicators of a more severe, potentially season-ending issue — but there is no timeline for either hurler's return.

Boston's healthy relievers have struggled in recent games. Brennan Bernardino, one of the Sox's only lefties who earned most of the high-leverage opportunities in the first half, has had a rough go of things during his squad's hot streak. He's clocked an 18.00 ERA in his last seven outings, which ballooned on July 19 when he allowed a grand slam to Freddie Freeman. Bernardino is still posting the best season of his three-year career, though, with a 2.53 ERA through 32 innings.

Red Sox should consider adding to bullpen before the trade deadline

Greg Weissert has also had a rough stretch in his last few outings. He's pitched to a 7.88 ERA in eight innings over his last seven appearances. He allowed four runs to the Yankees, his former ballclub, in a third of an inning on July 6.

Boston's minor league relievers also aren't having the best luck. Trey Wingenter, whom the Sox recently acquired from the Tigers, had a short first outing with the WooSox. He allowed three runs in one inning, good for a 27.00 ERA.

The Red Sox expected long-awaited prospect Bryan Mata to finish his rehab assignment in mid-July, but the 25-year-old suffered another setback in his progress. Mata experienced elbow inflammation just days before he was expected to be added to Boston's roster. The righty's career in the Sox's farm system has been marked by frequent injuries and his MLB debut will be even further delayed.

The Red Sox may have to look to external reinforcements to keep the bullpen going through the second half of the season. Any competent pitching help will be hotly coveted by other contenders, and if Breslow thinks his club needs a new face in the bullpen, he needs to act fast.

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