Manager Alex Cora's Boston Red Sox continue to struggle this 2026 MLB season. They are currently at the bottom of the American League East with a 9-14 record, most recently suffering a shutout loss to the New York Yankees.
Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet is in a poor run of form, further highlighting the team's pitching issues. Crochet had the worst performance of his career in an April 13 game against the Minnesota Twins, allowing 11 runs (10 earned) while recording only five outs. In his next start, he gave up five runs in five innings while also allowing two homers and two walks in a loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Making matters worse for Boston, another starter in Sonny Gray suffered a hamstring strain and had to be placed on the 15-day injured list.
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Clearly, the Red Sox needed a change if they wanted to turn things around. And that's exactly what they did on Wednesday, as they shuffled their roster in search of a much-needed boost.
The Red Sox selected left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rivera to the roster. Rivera is listed as the team's No. 26 prospect. He was promoted to Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday but didn't pitch in any game for the squad.
In order to make room for Rivera, however, the Red Sox placed first baseman Triston Casas on the 60-day injured list.
Additionally, Boston optioned right-handed pitcher Jack Anderson to Triple-A Worcester. Anderson made his debut against the Twins last week.
It will be interesting to see how Cora deploys Rivera in Red Sox's pitching rotation. It's worth noting that Rivera has a 0.90 ERA in two starts for Double-A Portland this 2026 season. He also has three walks and 16 strikeouts over 10 innings.
As the Red Sox continue to search for pitching answers, though, they are expected to make more changes. For one, there have been reports that their No. 1 prospect, Payton Tolle, is set to be called up for Boston's showdown with the Baltimore Orioles this weekend.
