Hours before Richard Fitts' return to the Boston Red Sox's rotation brought back some of the pitching depth with which it began the season, Boston got some good news about two rehabbing lefty arms.
Zach Penrod and Chris Murphy returned to action in the Sox's minor league system. Boston activated Penrod from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Worcester. He reported elbow discomfort during spring training and, despite scans showing no structural damage, he'd been sidelined since. On May 28, he opened for WooSox starter Robert Stock.
Penrod posted a scoreless inning with no strikeouts or walks against Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He'll likely need a few more outings before he can be considered as a potential depth option for the Red Sox, but the recent strain on the bullpen emphasizes Boston's need for as many options as it can get. Penrod posted four innings across seven appearances in the big leagues with Boston last season. He logged a 2.25 ERA with three strikeouts and four walks.
Red Sox lefties Zach Penrod and Chris Murphy are back to work after long IL stints with elbow issues
The Red Sox on May 27 sent Murphy on a rehab assignment with High-A Greenville. He's been on the IL for quite some time after he underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2024.
Murphy was a regular out of the Sox's bullpen in 2023, often in a multi-inning relief role. He clocked a 4.91 ERA with 49 strikeouts and 17 walks over 47.2 innings across 20 appearances. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, Murphy has 30 days to complete his rehab assignment before the Red Sox must decide whether to roster him or option him to the minor leagues. He has two minor league options remaining on his contract.
Red Sox sign former Braves, A's pitcher Jorge Juan to minor league deal
On May 27, the Red Sox signed former Braves and A's minor league pitcher, Jorge Juan, to a minor league deal. The Sox assigned him to Double-A Portland.
Juan last pitched on May 10, one day before he was released by the Braves organization. He posted a 7.50 ERA with 11 strikeouts and six walks over six innings between Single-A Augusta and Double-A Columbus.