BOSTON — It’s clear the Red Sox need bullpen assistance and that’s become (abundantly) evident in the team’s post-All-Star break stretch as the team searches for a much-needed momentum switch before postseason tickets are officially punched.
The Red Sox front office addressed this need before Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline by acquiring two relief pitchers in Lucas Sims and Luis Garcia, but the team isn’t banking on its newcomers carrying the load entirely. Right-hander Chris Martin, who was Boston’s most dominant bullpen weapon last season (1.05 ERA in 55 games), hasn’t played since being placed on the injured list on July 15 with right below inflammation. However, the 38-year-old revealed a rehab assignment could come as soon as next week, hours before Boston squared off against the Seattle Mariners for their series finale.
“I think if everything goes smooth, maybe sometime around Kansas City,” Martin said after completing a 25-pitch bullpen session at Fenway Park.
Martin noted that a second bullpen session, too, will take place. It’s pivotal that the Red Sox get Martin back as soon as possible with the opportunity to make a run, not only in the American League wild-card but the AL East standings, still within reach — Boston trails the division-leading Baltimore Orioles by seven games. But in order to accomplish that, manager Alex Cora will need some reliable arms to perform in high-leverage situations before calling upon closer Kenley Jansen to enter in save situations. Martin understands the implications of his awaited return to the mound, but is also extremely welcoming of the team’s newest additions to the bullpen staff.
“Sims, I’ve watched a lot of him,” Martin said. “… He’s got good experience.”
The Red Sox are also awaiting the returns of Triston Casas and Vaughn Grissom, who both began their respective rehab assignments in Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday night, along with relief pitcher Justin Slaten, who began throwing from 75 feet and was placed on the injured list (right elbow inflammation) on July 12.
