For the Red Sox, the July 31 trade deadline was a disappointment because the team did not add a top-flight starter or a bat to fix the hole at first base. Around Fenway, those were the two big complaints.
But the team also did not add an impact reliever, nabbing only Steven Matz from the Cardinals. He’s been fine, allowing one run in 6.1 innings thus far, but manager Alex Cora is not exactly throwing Matz into high leverage situations. And thus, a thin Red Sox bullpen has been looking even thinner as August wears on.
The bullpen nearly blew a 7-1 lead on Saturday against the Marlins, holding on with a 7-5 decision. The group did blow a 3-1 lead for Garrett Crochet on Sunday, and though starter Dustin May was given the loss on Monday, he allowed only two runs and the bullpen gave up four runs in 3.0 innings.
But if Boston can hold out some hope, it’s that one guy might firm things up on the back end: Justin Slaten.
Justin Slaten Rehabbing in Worcester
Slaten has had some struggles this season (1-4, 3.47 ERA) after a brilliant showing as a rookie Rule 5 pick (6-2, 2.93) in 2024. He has not pitched since May 28, and was put on the injured list with shoulder and neck problems.
But Slaten is on the rehab trail and for a team that has few relievers it trusts outside of closer Aroldis Chapman, his return would be thoroughly welcomed.
The Athletic’s Jeff McCaffrey explained that Slaten will be pitching Tuesday in Worcester: “Justin Slaten was scheduled for live BP but the team decided to just send him on a rehab assignment tomorrow in Worcester. he’ll need at least a few outings because he’s been out since June 1. Cora said they don’t want to rush him but feel this is the best next step.”
Red Sox Filling Roster Holes
As for the Red Sox’s other two holes, it’s so far, so good.
May was brought in to be the fifth starter and after a rough initial outing (three earned runs, six hits in 3.2 innings), has looked sharp in his last two starts (two earned runs, 13 hits, 13 strikeouts in 12.0 innings). The Red Sox could still be thin in case of injury, but they have five credible starters in the rotation.
As for first base, that job now falls to Nathaniel Lowe, signed after he was let go by the Nationals. Lowe batted just .216 this year, but he is a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner who should fit perfectly in a platoon with Romy Gonzalez.
Nathaniel Lowe Eager for Red Sox Playoffs
Lowe spoke to reporters on Monday, and noted that the chance to play meaningful games down the stretch is appealing. He helped the Rangers to the World Series title two years ago.
“It’s definitely a different animal,” Lowe said of the playoffs. “You throw your personal stats aside, and the only thing that matters is winning that day. Playing that brand of baseball down the stretch and obviously in the postseason is most important. It’s kind of addicting. It’s like, the point of the whole thing is winning the whole thing. We’d like to think there’s a chance to do that.”
Red Sox Get Good News for Struggling Bullpen