Red Sox DFA Reese McGuire and struggling arm in trade-related roster shuffle

The Boston Red Sox are shaking things up, but the big move has yet to arrive. That's alright, though, because Craig Breslow is doing the necessary roster maneuvering in the meantime to prepare for something more impactful.

Over the last few days, the Sox have traded for pitcher James Paxton and catcher Danny Jansen in deals with the Dodgers and division-rival Blue Jays. Right off that bat, the writing was on the wall for two struggling players: pitcher Chase Anderson and backup catcher Reese McGuire.

On Sunday afternoon before the team's series finale against the New York Yankees on Sunday Night Baseball, the Sox designated Anderson and McGuire for assignment to make room for Paxton and Jansen.

But that wasn't all. Boston also claimed reliever Yohan Ramirez off waivers from the Dodgers, in what will feature another move with LA before Tuesday's deadline. The right-hander probably won't last too long given how he's performed so far in 2024, but the Sox are working to shuffle in new faces for the time being.

This all comes after the team designated pitcher Alex Speas for assignment on Saturday following the Jansen trade, which saw two prospects in Cutter Coffey and Eddinson Paulino head to Toronto.

Red Sox DFA Reese McGuire and struggling arm in trade-related roster shuffle

McGuire was already halfway out the door with Saturday's Jansen news, and Anderson sealed his fate in the loss to the Yankees. In a wild back-and-forth affair, Anderson was tasked with handling the 10th inning, but he imploded.

The right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk, which eventually resulted in an 11-8 win for New York. In the month of July, Anderson surrendered 14 runs (eight earned) on 14 hits (three home runs) and three walks across just 9 1/3 innings. For someone who was already roster fodder, that made it official.

Though more transactions need to be made, Ramirez and his rather unsightly 5.52 ERA, 4.48 FIP and 1.47 WHIP will slot into Boston's bullpen soon. The Dodgers sent him packing after he allowed nine earned runs on 10 hits and four walks across his last 2 2/3 innings of relief. Three of those appearances were directly responsible for LA losses.

There's been consistent activity on the trade market the last three days, and the Sox figure to be involved with their intention to buy following Alex Cora's surprise extension. This is only the beginning.