Red Sox immediately demote pitcher after loss to Orioles

The Boston Red Sox made a swift and telling roster move just moments after their 6-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park Monday night, signaling clear urgency as the race to October intensifies. With only 36 games remaining in the season, the team optioned reliever Jovani Moran to Triple-A Worcester and recalled veteran left-hander Brennan Bernardino to help stabilize the Red Sox bullpen, which ranks third in the American League with a 3.44 ERA. Despite that strong overall number, the group has shown signs of cracking in late-game situations—making each outing critical as Boston battles for postseason position.

It was a frustrating night for Boston fans. Starter Dustin May held the Orioles to two earned runs over six innings, but the game swung in the 8th. Moran entered a 3-3 game and surrendered a pivotal two-run single to Baltimore’s 20-year-old top prospect, Samuel Basallo, who continues to shine in his MLB debut week. That hit broke the game open and eventually led to the demotion.

MassLive’s Christopher Smith took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) account, and noted that the Red Sox had demoted Moran following the game, almost exactly after its conclusion.

“Jovani Morán has been optioned to Triple-A Worcester immediately following the game.”

Chris Cotillo, also from MassLive, quote-tweeted his colleague’s post with a report on who would fill the roster spot.

“Per source: Brennan Bernardino taking Morán’s spot on Tuesday. He’s being recalled.”

The timing couldn’t be more telling. With the Red Sox now tied with the New York Yankees in the AL East standings at 68-58, every decision is magnified. The club’s bullpen depth and performance will play a major role in whether the team holds onto its narrow Wild Card lead. Manager Alex Cora’s no-nonsense approach reinforces that no player is safe from demotion if they can’t deliver in high-leverage moments.

Moran, 28-years-old, was a waiver claim from the Minnesota Twins who missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. In his brief stint with Boston this year, he made two appearances, totaling four innings with a 6.75 ERA, three walks, and five strikeouts. The left-hander flashed glimpses of his signature slider, but persistent control issues and an inability to deliver in key moments ultimately led to his swift demotion.

In contrast, Bernardino offers a steadier presence. The 33-year-old returns to the Red Sox bullpen with a 4-2 record, 3.09 ERA, 36 strikeouts, and one save across 47 appearances this season. His effectiveness against left-handed hitters adds a critical layer of value as Boston prepares for a high-stakes September stretch. With the Red Sox playoff race tightening and little margin for error, every roster move carries weight—and this one reflects a team determined to stay in the fight.