Ahead of their second series of the year against the Atlanta Braves, the Boston Red Sox have made a few moves to freshen up their bullpen.
Nick Burdi has been called up for the second time this season, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Unfortunately, the corresponding move to add him to the 40-man roster is Boston sending Liam Hendriks to the injured list. The nature or extent of his injury is yet unclear, but given his latest struggles out of the Sox's 'pen, it could be any number of things.
Hendriks has logged a 6.59 ERA with 12 strikeouts and seven walks over 13.2 innings this season. Something has been nagging him lately, though, as his ability to limit runs has severely decreased in recent weeks. He's surrendered eight runs on seven hits in his last 5.2 innings pitched.
Hendriks was often the last arm the Red Sox would turn to in the bullpen, and he voiced his frustrations about how the team has used him this year. His record only worsened after he raised his concerns. The veteran former closer underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2023, and it often takes pitchers quite a while to bounce back from the season-ending procedure.
Red Sox call Nick Burdi up, place Liam Hendriks on injured list ahead of second series against Braves
Burdi is a great addition to Boston's bullpen in Hendriks' stead. He's been utterly dominant with Triple-A Worcester, with a 0.48 ERA and 26 strikeouts over 18.2 innings. He twice pitched out of the Sox's bullpen during their first series against the Braves at Fenway Park, and he didn't allow a run in either appearance.
Burdi, 32, signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox in February, but has appeared in the big leagues for three other clubs. He pitched in parts of three seasons with the Pirates, his longest-tenured club, and allowed 13 runs on 16 hits in 12.1 innings over those years. His best stint in the big leagues came with the Yankees last year, when he posted a 1.86 ERA over 9.2 innings. His season was so short due to a hip injury that required a stay on the 60-day IL.
The Red Sox's bullpen was mostly solid throughout their series against the Brewers. Pitching carried the lifeless offense through to two extra-inning losses in Milwaukee, one of which included a walk-off grand slam. Hopefully, Burdi maintains his dominance from Boston's first series against the Braves and helps the Red Sox pick up a much-needed series win.