Boston Red Sox: Bullpen Help Incoming, Sandoval Questions Loom
Though their bullpen has been markedly improved this season, the Boston Red Sox are expecting more help in the form of Carson Smith on Tuesday, per Michael Silverman of The Boston Herald. The right-hander was acquired by the team in a trade with the Seattle Mariners this offseason, but missed the start of the season due to a forearm strain.
The 26-year-old was a coveted target by the Sox this offseason after finishing 2015 with a 2.31 ERA and 11.83 K/9. The righty will provide the Sox with yet another dominant setup man to bridge the late innings to closer Craig Kimbrel. Given Kimbrel’s struggles as of late, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith close out games on occasion.
In other, more frustrating news for the Sox, third baseman Pablo Sandoval was back in the clubhouse with teammates this past week and will meet with Dr. James Andrews next Monday to see if surgery will be required to solve his nagging shoulder issues.
With Travis Shaw performing admirably at the hot corner thus far, it’s unlikely the Sox will be in any rush to get Sandoval back on the field anytime soon.
Next: Some badly needed help