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MLB rumors: Boston Red Sox bullpen boost could pivot trade deadline strategy?

We talked in Friday’s rumors roundup about the upcoming return of Trevor Story and how that could change how the Boston Red Sox attack the MLB trade deadline. Well, there’s another return coming for Boston that could tweak Chaim Bloom’s plans as well.

As NESN.com reported, John Schreiber is close to returning from a right teres major strain that landed him on the injured list retroactive to May 16. It’s been more than two months since Schreiber, who posted a 2.12 ERA/3.17 FIP/1.294 WHIP in 17.0 innings over 18 games before his injury, took the mound. With him back, Boston will have another right-handed option in the bullpen, something that will shift the dynamics of the Boston relief corps that has leaned heavily on lefties since Schreiber’s injury.

If Schreiber can return and once again be effective for the Red Sox before the trade deadline, it could be the solution for yet another need that Bloom and Boston would be looking for at the trade deadline. It’s very possible that Boston will still be a buyer at the trade deadline, but it seems the Red Sox will also be improving in the field and on the mound with the return of a pair of players whose presence has been missed greatly.