Red Sox Officially Demote Fireballer To Minors; Should Boston Add Depth With Signing?

Boston made a move to its bullpen Sunday

The Boston Red Sox got some good news Sunday afternoon.

Boston officially reinstated left-handed relief pitcher Chris Martin from the 15-day injured list just in time for the club's matchup against the Minnesota Twins. To make room for Martin on the active roster the club optioned fireballer Kaleb Ort down to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox. 

The Red Sox's demotion of Ort to the minor leagues makes sense as the 29-year-old still has minor league options and wasn't forced to be placed on waivers. It's certainly likely that Ort eventually ends up back on the big league roster at some point this season, but Boston's bullpen has dealt with some struggles as of late. 

Ort has compiled a 7.30 ERA through 12 appearances so far this season for Boston. Longtime Boston hurler Ryan Brasier also has struggled so far this season and has compiled an 8.36 ERA so far this season across a team-high 14 appearances. Martin is sure to give the team a lift and has compiled a 2.57 ERA across seven appearances but it may make sense for the club to make another move. 

Braiser's struggles have shown no signs of slowing down and multiple solid relievers are still available as free agents. Former New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles lefty Zack Britton, former All-Star Corey Knebel, and even former Red Sox hurler David Price are all still available. 

At this point in the season, if any of the trio were to be signed it likely would be to a minor league deal or veteran minimum big league contract. Britton, Knebel, and Price all likely would be an improvement for the backend of the Boston bullpen. Many have wondered why the Red Sox have made some moves -- or haven't made others -- to the bullpen so far this season. The Red Sox's bullpen without a doubt has improved from last season, but it could get even better. 

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