Plus, say goodbye to Michael Fulmer.
So long, Michael Fulmer and thanks for the… I dunno… spring training outings? The Red Sox DFA’d the former Rookie of the Year to make room on the 40-man roster. Rather than accept the assignment to AAA Worcester, Fulmer elected free agency, as was his contractual right. The Red Sox initially signed Fulmer back in February of 2024, knowing that he would be unavailable until this season as he worked his way back from Tommy John surgery. But even so, they probably hoped they’d get more than 2.2 innings out of him. (Christopher Smith, MassLive)
Like Fulmer, Liam Hendriks was also signed while rehabbing with the understanding that it would take him a while to get back on the mound. And, like Fulmer, Hendriks didn’t do so hot when he finally got into a game. But given his track record — and the fact that his velocity was back up yesterday — Hendriks won’t get DFA’d anytime soon. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
Hendriks wasn’t the only reliever to struggle yesterday, though. Zack Kelly was responsible for coughing up the lead, and he’s not dodging any blame for ruining Tanner Houck’s bounce-back start. (Christopher Smith, MassLive)
Though he obviously would’ve preferred the win, Houck is pleased with his improvement on the mound. (Gio Rivera, NESN)
Hopefully the rotation will improve in other ways, too, thanks to some returns from injury. The Red Sox announced yesterday that Brayan Bello will make his 2025 debut tomorrow against the Mariners. (Connor Roche, Boston.com)
And despite coughing up the lead on Sunday, the bullpen has performed very well for much of the season. Justin Slaten, who has not allowed a hit in six consecutive innings, got the save against the White Sox this afternoon. It looks like he and Aroldis Chapman will share closing duties for the time being. (Christopher Smith, MassLive)