UPDATE: The Boston Red Sox have made an urgent roster change, calling up rookie right-hander Richard Fitts to bolster their bullpen just ahead of a critical four-game series against the New York Yankees starting Thursday evening at Yankee Stadium. This move comes after the team optioned reliever Isaiah Campbell to Triple-A Worcester, creating immediate implications for their pitching strategy as the playoff race heats up.
Fitts, who has started all 17 games he pitched this year across various levels, will be active for the series opener in the Bronx. The Red Sox are reassessing their pitching staff with less than six weeks left in the season, aiming to optimize their roster for peak performance. The decision to transition Fitts into a bullpen role is particularly intriguing, given that he has never pitched in relief at the major league level.
This shakeup follows concerns over veteran pitcher Walker Buehler, who is currently slated to pitch Monday night in Baltimore. However, after a challenging outing where he walked four batters in just over four innings, the Red Sox are reportedly reconsidering his place in the rotation. Should adjustments be necessary, Fitts could be one of the candidates to fill Buehler’s spot, alongside Kyle Harrison and Cooper Criswell.
Fitts was initially scheduled to start Thursday night for the WooSox but has been called to the majors in hopes that his high-velocity fastball, averaging 95.7 mph, can create an impact in shorter relief appearances. The Red Sox bullpen currently features a mix of right-handers, including Jordan Hicks, Garrett Whitlock, and Greg Weissert, complemented by four lefties.
In addition, Boston is eagerly anticipating the return of setup man Justin Slaten, who struck out the side in his first rehab appearance on Tuesday. Slaten has been sidelined for nearly three months due to a shoulder issue, and the team is cautious about rushing him back, aiming for a couple more rehab outings before he rejoins the active roster.
Fitts enters the bullpen with a 4.83 ERA over 41 major league innings this season. He struggled in his last three starts, logging a 5.54 ERA over 13 innings. His performance in the minors shows potential, as he allowed just two runs on five hits in his final start with Worcester last Friday. The Red Sox opted for Fitts over other 40-man options, indicating their confidence in his ability to adapt to this new role.
As fans anticipate the series against the Yankees, all eyes will be on how these roster changes impact the team’s performance during this pivotal stretch of the season. The Red Sox are committed to assembling the best possible lineup as they navigate the final weeks leading to the postseason. Expect more updates as the situation develops and the games unfold.
