Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn’t sound optimistic Sunday that left-handed reliever Joely Rodriguez will return to the Boston bullpen for the stretch drive, although Cora is getting one piece of the pitching staff back.
In fact, Cora said there’s “a good chance” that a hip injury could sideline Rodriguez for the rest of the season. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 31, retroactive to July 29.
“He had a setback, actually with his hip, so we’re going to stay away from him for a while,” Cora told reporters Sunday morning before Boston’s game against the Detroit Tigers. “It’s tough, because he was throwing the ball well. It’s kind of like the upper hip, and we’ve got to stay away from him for a while.”
The Red Sox signed Rodriguez, 31, to a one-year $2 million contract that includes a $4.25 million club option for 2024. He started the season on the injured list with a strained right oblique, the returned with left shoulder inflammation.
“We’ve just to make sure we get him right and see where it takes us,” Cora said.
Rodriguez has a 6.55 ERA in 11 games with the Red Sox, allowing nine runs (eight earned) in 11 innings. He has struck out 14 and walked six.
He joined the Red Sox after stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers and both the New York Mets and Yankees. He has a career record of 5-9 and a 4.70 ERA in 168 games with one save.
The Red Sox on Sunday activated right-hander Garrett Whitlock from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander Kyle Barraclough to Triple-A Worcester following Saturday night’s game against the Detroit Tigers.
Whitlock, 27, was placed on the IL on July 3 because of right elbow inflammation. Used exclusively as a starter this season, he is 4-3 with a 5.23 ERA in 51 2/3 innings over 10 games.
Whitlock’s role will change as he will be used as a multi-inning reliever for the rest of the season.
“It’s important,” Cora said. “Now, we can balance the bullpen. Usage-wise, it’s been a challenge the last 10-12 days with so many close games. Now, adding him to the equation and using him the way we did before (as a) multi-inning guy, it’s going to take care of everybody, and we’ll take care of him. We feel very comfortable with the way the bullpen is right now and, hopefully, it works.”
Barraclough, 33, signed with the Red Sox in June and is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 3 1/3 innings in two relief appearances.
–Field Level Media
