Red Sox make 3 roster moves with bullpen as Justin Slaten takes big step toward returning

Red Sox make 3 roster moves with bullpen as Justin Slaten takes big step toward returning
Zack Kelly was optioned to the WooSox on Saturday. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)AP

BOSTON — The Red Sox completed some housekeeping with their roster before Saturday’s game, updating the status of three relievers.

Boston activated righties Zack Kelly and Nick Burdi from the injured list and optioned them both to Triple-A Worcester, where they were both already rehabbing. Because Burdi was on the 60-day IL, the Sox needed a 40-man spot for him and cleared that by moving fellow righty Luis Guerrero to the 60-day IL.

Kelly had been out since June 30 with a right oblique strain and originally had his option voided in favor of an injured list stint once further tests revealed the injury. He has made four rehab appearances (two at Greenville and two at Worcester) since July 24 and struck out three in two shutout innings for the WooSox on Friday night. He owns a 5.56 ERA in 17 MLB appearances this year.

Burdi, out since June 3 with a right foot contusion, has pitched four times in the big leagues this year, tossing 5 ⅓ scoreless innings. He has dominated at Worcester, logging a 1.23 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 22 innings.

Guerrero has a right elbow strain that has kept him out since June 28, so he won’t be eligible to return until around September 1. He’s currently throwing bullpen sessions in Fort Myers.

Kelly, Burdi and Guerrero are all depth options for a Red Sox bullpen that got a boost this week with the acquisition of lefty Steven Matz in a trade with the Cardinals. A bigger boost may come in the next few weeks with Justin Slaten, who has been out since May 29 with a shoulder injury, throwing his first bullpen session at Fenway Park on Saturday and beginning to meaningfully ramp up his throwing program.

“That’s the first one, so there’s no timetable,“ said manager Alex Cora. ”He’s on the mound so he’s obviously closer than a few weeks ago.”

  • Red Sox, Astros benches clear after Hector Neris screams at coach; what happened?
  • Red Sox reactions: Boston gets to 10 games over .500, passes Yankees with win over Astros
  • New Red Sox starter was ‘pushed out’ by Dodgers, then given new chance with trade to Boston
  • Red Sox rookie Marcelo Mayer to receive shot to try to ‘get him back’
  • Red Sox starter Tanner Houck to undergo Tommy John surgery

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Related Posts

🚨 MLB INSIDE RESET: The White Sox’s newly assembled coaching staff is raising quiet but serious questions across the league, as subtle hires, shifted responsibilities, and a clear change in philosophy hint at a deeper organizational reset. What looks like routine restructuring on the surface may actually signal a long term plan that hasn’t been fully explained yet — and insiders believe the real impact will only become clear once the season pressure hits.

The Chicago White Sox have finalized their coaching staff for the 2026 season following sweeping changes made at the end of September.

🚨 MLB INSIDE TRADE RUMBLINGS: The Braves are suddenly being linked to a bold trade for a $6 million NL rival left hander, a move insiders say could quietly solve multiple problems at once and even position him as a long term heir to Chris Sale. What looks like a low risk deal on paper may actually hide a far bigger plan, with Atlanta reportedly intrigued by a dynamic arsenal that hasn’t fully been unlocked yet — and the timing of this rumor is raising serious eyebrows across the league.

The Braves could go after a young star.

🚨 MLB INSIDE STORM BREWING: As hopes of an Alex Bregman return quietly fade, a new projection suggests the Red Sox may be preparing a jaw dropping $186 million swing for Bo Bichette, a move insiders believe could redefine Boston’s future in one bold stroke. What once seemed unrealistic is now gaining traction behind the scenes, and if this prediction turns real, the ripple effect could shock the AL East and completely change how this offseason is remembered.

A former MLB executive now believes that the Boston Red Sox will land coveted free agent infielder Bo Bichette from Toronto.

🚨 MLB INSIDE WHISPERS: Something big is quietly brewing behind closed doors in New York, as new projections hint the Yankees may be lining up an elite shortstop signing that goes far beyond a normal free-agency move. What started as a low-key prediction is now being viewed as a potential power shift, with insiders suggesting this decision could redefine the Yankees’ identity and force the entire American League to adjust sooner than expected.

The New York Yankees haven’t done much during the offseason, but MLB rumors continue to swirl. New York has been […]

Cubs Predicted To Land Marquee Free Agent Starting Pitcher On Six-Year Contract

The Cubs are in the market for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, and David Schoenfield of ESPN predicted them to land Framber Valdez, previously of the Houston Astros.

🚨 INSIDE NFL REVELATION: The Packers reportedly had a stunning opportunity to sign an all time great for just $5 million, yet chose to walk away without even making a free agent offer — a quiet decision that is now raising serious questions inside the fanbase and league circles alike. What seemed insignificant at the time is suddenly being revisited as a potential turning point, with insiders suggesting this missed move could have changed far more than anyone realized.

Green Bay missed an opportunity.