Ex-Yankees Star Lefty Available; Red Sox Could Make Move To Help Struggling Pitching

Should the Red Sox sign the former Yankees star?

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox could use another pitcher right now. 

It seemed as though the Red Sox were just about to get fully healthy, but things have changed with the club. Star left-handed hurler Chris Sale has looked sharp as of late, but now is on the injured list with a shoulder injury and there still is no way to know how long he will be out for. 

Boston's bullpen certainly has been stretched thin this season due to the injuries to the starting rotation and inconsistent play, but with Sale set to miss at least two starts, the bullpen could use more help. With Sale out, the easiest option for Boston would be to move someone like Kutter Crawford and Josh Winckowski to the rotation -- assuming Corey Kluber's days as a Red Sox starter are over -- but this would open a major hole in the Boston bullpen. One player that would make sense for the Red Sox to take a chance on is former Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees star lefty Zack Britton. 

Britton is a two-time All-Star and Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award winner. He has appeared in just 25 games over the last two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery but now is healthy and looking for a new home. Britton has held showcases for interested clubs but hasn't signed with a team yet this season. Boston even has been tied to the longtime Yankee, but a deal never came to fruition. 

If there ever was a time for the Red Sox to sign Britton, it would be right now. With Sale injured and Crawford or Winckowski looking like they will join the rotation for the short-term, bullpen relief is needed. Plus, Boston left-handed reliever Joely Rodriguez has struggled so far this season pitching to an 18.00 ERA in five appearances and also felt a tweak in his bicep Saturday and was unable to pitch. Another lefty wouldn't hurt and Britton is the biggest name left on the market. He's a 12-year veteran with American League East experience and seemingly could only help right now. 

If Boston wants to add a pitcher, it would be much easier to add a new reliever instead of a new starting pitcher. The Red Sox likely will look to add a starter ahead of the trade deadline, but there currently aren't many available as free agents who could help. Britton is a free agent who likely would be very cheap and could help Boston as it looks to improve its pitching.

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