BOSTON -- The Red Sox placed lefty reliever Matt Strahm on the COVID-19 related injured list and recalled righty Hirokazu Sawamura from Triple-A Worcester to take his spot, the team announced Monday. Strahm has not tested positive for the virus and is going through protocols, a source said. His placement on the COVID list is precautionary at this time.
Sawamura is back with the big league club after being optioned to the minors Saturday. He did not appear in a game with Worcester. On the season, the righty owns a 3.60 ERA and 3.47 FIP in 15 innings over 18 appearances.
Strahm has become one of Alex Cora’s most trusted relievers in the early part of the season. The southpaw has a 3.68 ERA and 1.77 FIP in 18 appearances; he has struck out 16 batters in 14 ⅔ innings.
Boston will play with a shorthanded bullpen Monday night against the Orioles. With both Strahm and righty Hansel Robles (on injured list with back spasms) sidelined, the Red Sox will have Sawamura, Matt Barnes, Jake Diekman, Austin Davis, John Schreiber, Tyler Danish, Ryan Brasier and Phillips Valdez available against the O’s. Tanner Houck, who needed just 14 pitches to get through two innings Sunday, is not available Monday, according to manager Alex Cora.
Rich Hill is on the mound for the Red Sox to start Monday’s game. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
Related links:
Why did Boston Red Sox option Hirokazu Sawamura, put Hansel Robles on IL? Alex Cora explains
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