During their 10-game homestand, the Boston Red Sox have been confronted with a slew of injuries from all angles.
The losses of Nick Pivetta, Garrett Whitlock and Isaiah Campbell have the Red Sox scrambling for pitching depth. After its series loss against the Guardians, Boston made a trade to bolster the bullpen.
The Red Sox acquired Vladimir Gutiérrez from the Milwaukee Brewers for cash considerations. They optioned him to Worcester but added him to the 40-man roster in the spot formerly held by Trevor Story.
Gutiérrez was a former top pitching prospect in the Cincinnati Reds organization. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, which derailed his development. He became a free agent after the 2023 season and signed a minor league deal with the Marlins. He made a four-inning appearance for Miami, who then designated him for assignment. He was swiftly picked up by the Brewers and made just one start in Triple-A for the Milwaukee organization before being DFA'd again.
Red Sox trade for former top pitching prospect Vladimir Gutiérrez, call up Cam Booser
His stint with Triple-A Nashville didn't go well. In two appearances, Gutiérrez got rocked for seven runs in 4.2 innings. He struck out two batters, walked three and hit one. Gutiérrez's one outing with the Marlins also didn't go perfectly. He let up three runs, fanned four batters and walked two.
Worcester's Cam Booser, left-handed reliever, struck out 5 in 2.0 perfect innings tonight. Hit topped out at 97 mph. So far this year, he's K'd 15 of 25 batters faced, with 1 walk and 3 hits allowed.
— Red Sox Stats (@redsoxstats) April 17, 2024
The Sox called up an internal depth option just before trading for Gutiérrez. Cam Booser has traveled to Pittsburgh with Boston for a series against the Pirates starting April 19.
Booser is a 31-year-old lefty reliever who made four appearances with the Woo Sox. He's pitched to a 2.70 ERA in 6.2 innings with the Woo Sox and he's posted 15 strikeouts and just one walk.
The Red Sox will need to transition someone off the 40-man roster before activating Booser. Bryan Mata may be destined for the long-term injured list, as there have been few updates about his progress in healing from a hamstring strain.