Red Sox Reportedly DFA Longtime Reliever After Roller Coaster Stint With Club

Boston made a very unsurprising move Sunday night

The Boston Red Sox made a move Sunday night.

Boston welcomed the St. Louis Cardinals to Fenway Park for a three-game series and although seemed poised to win at least two out of three contests, were swept at home. Following Sunday night's tough 9-1 loss, Boston made a move and reportedly designated longtime reliever Ryan Brasier for assignment, according to MassLive.com's Christopher Smith.

Brasier certainly has been a polarizing figure for the Red Sox over the last few years. The 35-year-old joined the Red Sox in 2018 and has remained with the club ever since. The righty has had plenty of ups and downs -- like every pitcher -- but has definitely been put in headlines for the negatives. 

The 35-year-old was an important piece for Boston in 2018 as the club put together arguably the best season in team history. Brasier made 34 appearances for the Red Sox in the regular season in 2018 and compiled a 1.60 ERA and recorded 29 strikeouts while walking just seven batters. He continued his impressive play into the postseason and allowed just one run in 8 2/3 innings pitched. 

Brasier has had a roller coaster of a time with Boston since 2019 and has compiled a 5.11 ERA in 188 games pitched. The righty allowed 100 earned runs from the beginning of the 2019 season through Sunday's tilt against the Cardinals. 

Red Sox Nation hasn't quiet about its opinion of Brasier over the last few years. He struggled last season and compiled a 5.78 ERA in 68 appearances and still was brought back this season. His struggles have continued, and in 20 outings compiled a career-worst 7.29 ERA. 

Now that he has been reportedly designated for assignment by Boston, the club now has a week to trade him. Other clubs also have a week to claim Brasier off waivers and if one does so, they could be required to immediately place him on their 40-man roster. If no team has claimed Brasier and the Red Sox don't find a trade partner after a week, he will become a free agent and have the opportunity to sign with any club. 

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