Red Sox News: Team calls up Kyle Barraclough, DFAs Dinelson Lamet among other moves
Barraclough has gone 7-0, with a 2.57 ERA in 8 Appearances for Worcester
The Red Sox promoted 33-year-old right-hander Kyle Barraclough from Triple-A Worcester and recalled lefty Brandon Walter on Wednesday. The team designated right-hander Dinelson Lamet for assignment and has optioned righty Nick Robertson to Worcester, per MassLive's Christopher Smith.
The Red Sox later released left-hander Richard Bleier to become a free agent per MassLive's Chris Cotillo.
The moves to boost the pitching staff come a day after the Red Sox chose to keep Pablo Reyes and DFA Yu Chang with Trevor Story returning to the MLB roster.
What Does this Mean for the Red Sox?
The Red Sox have reason to expect Barraclough to provide meaningful depth to a bullpen that has been pushed to the limit in recent weeks.
Barraclough has plenty of MLB experience out of the bullpen. He posted a career 3.61 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP over 288 MLB outings. Barraclough pitched four seasons in Miami between 2015-2018. He also had stints with the Nationals, Giants, Twins and Angels.
Brandon Walter has made 6 appearances for the Red Sox in 2023. He has a 3.07 ERA and a save over 14 ⅔ innings. Walter however, has not enjoyed much success in Worcester in 2023. He has a 1-5 record and a 5.74 ERA over 16 appearances.
The 2020 Cy Young candidate Lamet struggled in his only outing for the Red Sox. He gave up three runs and four hits including a home run over two innings in Tuesday night's 9-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals.
Nick Robertson similarly did not have much success in the two appearances he made for the Red Sox, giving up four runs over four innings.
The veteran Bleier made 27 appearances for the Red Sox in 2023, posting a 5.27 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP.
The Red Sox's performance since the August 2. trade deadline has been disappointing, but the team has reason to think they can turn things around with the return of multiple injured pitchers Chris Sale, Garret Whitlock, and Tanner Houck on the horizon.
Trevor Story had a disappointing debut Tuesday night, but his strong rehab stint gives reason to expect him to return to form with time.
The Red Sox have ground to make up after their recent losses. The team is currently five games behind the third American League Wild Card spot which is held by the Blue Jays.