AL East Rival Reportedly Sends Ex-Red Sox Hurler Down To Minors After Rough Stretch

Tampa Bay sent a former member of the Red Sox down to the minor leagues

One former member of the Boston Red Sox reportedly will look to make his way up to the big leagues after recently being sent down to the minor leagues by the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Former Red Sox and current Tampa Bay Rays hurler Jalen Beeks reportedly was optioned down to the Triple-A Durham Bulls after a tough start to the 2023 season, according to BallySports' Tricia Whitaker. 

Beeks was drafted by the Red Sox in the 12th round of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft and spent the first four years of his professional career in the organization before being dealt to the Rays during the 2018 season in exchange for fireballer Nathan Eovaldi. The 29-year-old made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox in 2014 and worked his way up the Boston organization. 

The lefty eventually made his big league debut with the Red Sox during the 2018 season but didn't remain with the club long before being traded. Beeks made two appearances with Boston and pitched to a 12.79 ERA while allowing nine earned runs across 6 1/3 innings pitched. Boston's trade of Beeks for Eovaldi certainly worked out as the fireballer became an integral member of the 2018 World Series-winning Red Sox club. 

Beeks also developed into a solid contributor to the Rays over the last few seasons. He was moved to the bullpen and has compiled a 4.11 ERA across 124 total appearances with Tampa Bay. The 29-year-old's best season came in 2022 when he pitched to a 2.80 ERA in 42 appearances, including seven starts for the Rays. He has struggled out the gate this season compiling a 5.82 ERA in 25 appearances so far. 

Hopefully he is able to get back on track at the minor league level and work his way back up to the big leagues. 

More MLB: Former Red Sox Prospect Reportedly Latches On With NL East Club After Tough Start To Season