Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy delivered a season-ending update on reliever Justin Slaten before Tuesday’s series opener against the Texas Rangers.
Slaten will not return for the remainder of the 2026 season after a recent evaluation revealed degenerative changes in his right flexor mass. Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported the development on X.
The right-hander had been sidelined since August with right elbow inflammation. He traveled with the Red Sox to Arlington, where he received an evaluation from Dr. Keith Meister.
The evaluation changed Boston’s plans for Slaten. Instead of attempting to bring him back late in the season, the team will have him receive a platelet-rich plasma injection and focus on his recovery for 2027.
Slaten made 36 appearances for Boston this season. He went 2-4 with a 4.60 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP over 31.1 innings.
The 29-year-old had provided the Red Sox with a reliable bullpen option before his elbow issues returned. This is also his fourth injured-list stint across three major league seasons.
Boston did receive some more encouraging news on the injury front. Garrett Crochet threw 30 pitches during a pregame side session as he continues working back from a lat strain.
Curtis Mead was also cleared to begin a light swing progression with tee work this week. Mead has been recovering from a broken wrist suffered in July.
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Johan Oviedo is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Thursday. His return could provide another option for Boston’s pitching staff before the season ends.
With Slaten now ruled out, the Red Sox will have to continue navigating their bullpen without one of their regular relief options.
For Slaten, the focus shifts toward getting healthy and preparing for a return next season.
