As the calendar flips into mid-August, the Boston Red Sox are right in the thick of the playoff hunt. They didn’t overhaul the roster at the trade deadline, but they did shore things up with two arms: lefty Steven Matz and right-hander Dustin May.

Still, for a team with October aspirations, the bullpen needs more than just patchwork. The arms are getting taxed, the rotation’s had its shaky moments, and between designated assignments and Triple-A demotions, it’s clear the Sox are going to need reinforcements.

Fortunately, help might already be in-house. The Triple-A Worcester roster is loaded with potential.

Some of these names you’ve heard, some you haven’t-but all of them could play a role down the stretch. It’s just a matter of when the Red Sox are willing to call their number.

Here’s a breakdown of 11 bullpen options, grouped by how likely they are to join the Red Sox for the playoff push.

⛔ Long Shots, But Don’t Rule Them Out

▶ Connelly Early, LHP
Early’s numbers this year have been nothing short of spectacular.

He dominated his way into a late-season Triple-A promotion, but the timing of that call-up might work against him. He profiles more as a starter long-term, and with just a few Triple-A appearances before roster decisions need to be made, Boston seems content to let him get his legs under him without rushing the process.

Add to that the fact that Early doesn’t need to be protected on the 40-man roster until next offseason, and the Red Sox might opt for patience rather than pressure.

▶ Bryan Mata, RHP
Once one of the most hyped arms in the system, Mata’s career has been derailed by injuries.

Now 26, he still hasn’t cracked the big leagues, but the tools remain electric. Over his last six outings (8 2/3 innings), he’s pitched to a 0.00 ERA with 11 strikeouts.

He hits triple digits on the radar gun and misses bats with ease. The talent is there, but the bullpen’s current logjam makes his path a little murky.

🤷🏼 Could Go Either Way

▶ Nick Burdi, RHP
Burdi has looked sharp in Worcester and impressed in a brief Boston cameo.

The knock? He’s missed significant time due to injury, which clouds his durability.

If the Red Sox want a high-octane, back-end option, Burdi’s stuff fits the mold-but do they trust his availability in a playoff setting?

▶ Zack Kelly, RHP
Kelly might not have wowed with the surface numbers-a 5.56 ERA doesn’t exactly jump off the stat sheet-but dig a little deeper and it’s clear he’s better than that.

His 3.64 FIP tells a different story, and his control can be erratic, but the strikeout stuff is there. He’s been through some ups and downs with the big club already, so a September return is very much on the table.

▶ Kyle Harrison, RHP
Red Sox fans are understandably eager to see more of the return piece from the Rafael Devers trade.

Lately, Harrison’s been dealing on the mound, and there’s star potential in his arm. But there are signs that the organization is taking the long view here-fine-tuning his mechanics and aiming for a possible 2026 rotation spot.

He might arrive sooner, but don’t be shocked if they keep the slow-and-steady approach.

🔁 Trending Toward a Call-Up

▶ Richard Fitts, RHP
Fitts has shown flashes-he throws hard and competes, but he hasn’t missed enough bats and has been prone to giving up the long ball.

That said, a short bullpen stint might be the fix. Asking him to empty the tank for one or two innings could unleash a new level of swing-and-miss potential.

▶ Cooper Criswell, RHP
Criswell has quietly given the Red Sox quality innings this season.

After logging a stellar spot start post-deadline, he’s been lights out in Triple-A. The numbers won’t shock you, but this is the kind of stable, major league-ready arm who could soak up innings and keep the game under control when the lights get bright.

▶ Jovani Moran, LHP
This is a name deserving more buzz.

Acquired in an offseason deal, Moran didn’t begin pitching until June due to injury, but he’s absolutely made up for lost time. With a 2.60 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, .215 opponent batting average, and 25 strikeouts in just over 17 innings, he’s making a strong case.

Add in the fact that he’s already pitched in the majors, and Moran looks like a smart, safe bet to bolster the left side of the bullpen.

▶ Tyler Uberstine, RHP
Uberstine might be one of the better under-the-radar stories in the system.

After a 2024 marred by injury (just 4 2/3 innings in High-A), Boston took a gamble by starting him in Double-A this year. He responded by earning a promotion to Triple-A in short order.

Since transitioning to a bullpen role, he’s been nasty: five innings, 10 strikeouts, and just one run allowed. The stuff jumps out of his hand, and moving to relief may have unlocked something special.

🚨 Let’s Make It Happen

▶ David Sandlin, RHP
Sandlin is officially in the mix-and Boston’s actions say as much.

After being bumped up to Triple-A, the Sox swiftly shifted him to a bullpen role, signaling that they’re not just experimenting. They’re prepping him for a real shot.

He brings high-octane heat (touches 100 MPH), and his off-speed pitches look ready for immediate impact. Plus, he’ll need to be added to the 40-man roster this offseason anyway to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, so the team might opt to get ahead of it and give him a few pressure reps heading into 2026.

The right move might be to rip off the bandage and let the “Sandman” deal.

▶ Payton Tolle, LHP
Tolle was the Sox’s second-round pick this year and hasn’t wasted a second making his case.

After soaring through the lower levels, he recently made his Triple-A debut. And while he’s primarily been a starter, Boston’s been cutting his pitch count-and that could mean one thing: they’re prepping him for a bullpen role in September.

If so, buckle up. The lefty has shown dazzling stuff, and a big-league debut this fall could give fans a thrilling sneak peek at what’s to come.