Ex-Red Sox Flamethrower Released By Reds As Tumultuous Season Continues
The Boston Red Sox made a questionable move in the offseason to let go of a reliever that appeared to be budding with potential. However, it now appears that the Red Sox cut bait at the perfect time.
Former Red Sox right-hander Franklin German was released by the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, according to the MLB transaction wire.
German had a release-worthy 8.64 ERA, 13-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .286 batting average against and 1.92 WHIP in 8 1/3 innings for Triple-A Louisville.
The release comes only a couple of months after the White Sox designated him for assignment -- the club Boston traded German to in exchange for Theo Denlinger.
Meanwhile, Denlinger has a 3.66 ERA with a 33-to-19 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .171 batting average against and 1.19 WHIP in 32 innings pitched between Double-A and Triple-A.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom appears to have the edge on the trade but it's odd to see German's downfall.
The 25-year-old posted a 2.58 ERA, 46-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .154 batting average against and 0.94 WHIP for Triple-A Worcester last season. His lone stint in the big leagues did not go as planned (eight earned runs in four innings) but he still entered the winter as an intriguing arm.
Hopefully, German can find a new landing spot and find what made him so promising a season ago. I doubt that spot will be with Boston.
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