The back of the Boston Red Sox's bullpen has looked increasingly unreliable as August goes on. Boston on August 19 swapped a struggling new addition to the 'pen with a reliable, fixture of the late innings for much of the season.
The Red Sox announced after their 6-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on August 18 that Jovani Morán would be optioned to Triple-A. The following day, they made the move official by recalling Brennan Bernardino to take his place.
Morán is freshly recovered from Tommy John surgery, and there were bound to be bumps on the road back to full strength. He let up three runs on five hits over his two appearances since his initial call-up on August 11, and Boston needs more stability in its 'pen than Morán, who hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2023, can provide during a playoff push.
Bernardino has been one of the Sox's most reliable arms for the bulk of the season. He appeared 47 times before he was optioned on August 1, and he got a much-needed rest in Triple-A. Bernardino posted a 3.09 ERA with 36 strikeouts and 22 walks over 43.2 innings.
Red Sox send Jovani Morán down to Triple-A Worcester, recall Brennan Bernardino
The #RedSox today recalled LHP Brennan Bernardino from Triple-A Worcester. To make room on the active roster, Boston optioned LHP Jovani Morán to Worcester following last night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 19, 2025
Bernardino had a rough June, and he surrendered 11 runs on 15 hits over eight innings that month. He kicked his struggles completely in July, however, and didn't allow a run in his 12 innings pitched. He clocked a 0.83 WHIP last month, and opponents batted .122 against him.
Bernardino's return should help stabilize Boston's bullpen, which has looked shaky as of late. Slip-ups by earlier relievers have forced Aroldis Chapman into games he had no business pitching in, and Bernardino could help take some pressure off the pitchers who have struggled recently, like Greg Weissert, Jordan Hicks and Isaiah Campbell.
The Red Sox could've optioned Campbell instead of Morán, as the former has allowed six runs on 13 hits in 7.2 innings since he was called up. Hicks doesn't have any minor league options left, so he isn't going anywhere despite his troubles all season.
Bernardino's return is a great sign for the Red Sox, especially as they near a four-game series with the Yankees in the Bronx. Boston also expects Justin Slaten back after he completes a rehab assignment, likely of at least two outings, with Triple-A Worcester.