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Red Sox Veteran Catcher Recalled Among Flurry Of Roster Moves

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The Red Sox announced a flurry of roster moves Monday afternoon. Veteran catcher Tyler Heineman, along with right-handers Isaiah Campbell and Josh Winckowski, were recalled from Triple-A Worcester. In order to make room on the roster, Boston starting catcher Connor Wong was placed on the paternity leave list in what is assumed to be a short absence. Pitchers Cam Booser and Brad Keller were also sent down to the Worcester WooSox.

Tyler Heineman Recalled Among Flurry of Red Sox Roster Moves

None of the six players moved around by Boston on Monday were related to injuries. The Red Sox have already made headlining roster transactions in the past week, activating three players off the injured list. Those include outfielder Wilyer Abreu (sprained ankle), reliever Chris Martin (anxiety), and middle infielder Romy Gonzalez (hamstring strain).

Heineman Recalled, Wong Placed On Paternity 

Heineman was brought back to the majors for the third time this season on Monday. He was previously recalled on April 21 and June 4 for a total of three days. Heineman has appeared once for the Red Sox in 2024. He went 0-for-1 and was hit by a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in late April. Heineman is batting .242 with a .720 OPS in 30 Triple-A games this season. In his five-year MLB career, the veteran catcher has appeared in 105 games, tallying one home run and 15 RBI with five different organizations. 

Going the other way on Monday was Boston’s starting catcher Connor Wong. The 28-year-old was placed on the paternity leave list, signaling a short break. He’s in the midst of his best professional season, batting .330 with seven homers and 29 RBI in 57 contests with the Red Sox. Wong has played 50 of his games at catcher and has split a total of 15 innings between first and second base. He currently leads Boston in batting average and ranks second in OPS.

Campbell and Winckowski Return

Campbell returns to Boston for the second time in 2024. He made the Opening Day roster, appearing in seven games before landing on the injured list with a right shoulder issue. Campbell struggled, posting a 12.79 ERA and 2.053 WHIP. He came off the IL and was optioned to Triple-A on June 6. Since returning to action, Campbell has pitched to a 2.19 ERA over 12 1/3 innings.

Like Campbell, Winckowski also began the year with the Red Sox. However, he had a longer stint with the club, appearing 12 times and starting three contests. Winckowski threw just over 24 innings with a 3.33 ERA. He headed to Triple-A in early May and hadn’t been recalled since until Monday. Unlike in Boston, he played mostly as a starter with Worcester. In six starts and seven appearances, Winckowski had a 2.87 ERA and a 3-2 record in Triple-A. Opponents batted .254 against the right-hander during his time in the minors.

Booser and Keller Make Way

Booser was sent down to Worcester on Monday after spending most of 2024 in the big leagues. He made his MLB debut on April 19 after spending the first couple of weeks in Triple-A. Over 26 games and 28 innings, Booser had a 3.21 ERA, three holds, and a save. Before returning to the minors, he had eight consecutive scoreless outings. The 32-year-old has a 4.72 career ERA over eight years in MiLB.

Keller’s return to Triple-A on Monday comes less than a month after the Red Sox signed him. He began the year with the Chicago White Sox, pitching to a 4.86 ERA in five games and two starts. Keller was designated for assignment on May 20 and elected free agency two days later. Boston signed him on May 26 and he made his first appearance for the club at the beginning of June. In nine contests, Keller struggled with a 5.40 ERA.

 

Photo Credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

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