Boston Red Sox pitcher Chris Murphy worked his way through the minor leagues to carve out a role as an important bullpen lefty in 2023. However, an injury at the start of spring training in 2024 led to him missing the entire season and much of 2025.
Murphy worked his way back to the major leagues for the first time in two years after a rehab assignment. He posted an unsavory 4.91 ERA with 17 strikeouts and nine walks over 14.2 innings between High-A, Double-A and Triple-A.
We've already seen that Murphy can be effective in the majors — he logged a 4.91 ERA in 47.2 innings two seasons ago. The path now is to prove he's healthy and ready to make an impact again, and he's already on his way there. Murphy pitched two scoreless, hitless innings on June 28, with two strikeouts and two walks.
We caught up with the California kid and discussed his rehab stint. Murphy gave us some insight, including becoming a "veteran" in the locker rooms.
Red Sox reliever Chris Murphy emerged as a leader in the clubhouse as he recovered from Tommy John surgery
"Honestly, back in Fort Myers last year after surgery, I told guys, if you want an ear to talk to. It was me and Michael Fulmer. Michael Fulmer has quite a few more years on him than I do. Just having guys bounce ideas off of us, especially in a rehab setting. It was my first time rehabbing an injury," Murphy said.
"Helping guys stay optimistic, whether it was like an off-handed bowling league or Wyatt Mills threw together some mini golf tournaments. Just keep them doing something.
"Then, as I went through the affiliates, Noah Dean came up to me and asked what my approach to getting lefties out consistently was. It's been pretty seamless. I like being that voice for other guys, someone they can go to."
Murphy has already proven himself a capable major league reliever in 2023, and he's working his way back again after Tommy John surgery. It's easy to admit his want to help better his teammates while still working to improve himself.