The Boston Red Sox picked up their third win of the season on Tuesday night, defeating the Milwaukee Brewers to provide a small measure of relief after a brutal opening stretch. Wednesday brought fresh concern.
Justin Slaten has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a right oblique strain, the team announced. In response, the Red Sox recalled left-hander Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester.
Slaten Lands on the IL
GettyRed Sox pitcher Justin Slaten.
Manager Alex Cora flagged Slaten’s oblique soreness after Tuesday’s game, noting the team would check on him Wednesday morning. The news that followed was not encouraging.
The timing is a real blow for a bullpen already searching for answers. Slaten had been one of Boston’s most reliable relievers through the early weeks of the season, making four appearances without allowing an earned run while striking out five batters. His 2024 rookie campaign showed what he is capable of, posting a 2.93 ERA across 44 appearances. Injuries limited him to 36 games and a 4.24 ERA in 2025, and now another setback threatens to derail what looked like a promising bounce-back year.
Samaniego Gets His Chance
The corresponding move brings Samaniego to the big league club for what is expected to be his MLB debut. The left-hander came to Boston as part of the Johan Oviedo trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates this past offseason. He was a 15th-round pick in the 2021 draft and has posted a 3.80 ERA across 130 minor league appearances.
Cora had already been keeping tabs on the 25-year-old after a strong spring training, and did not hold back in his praise when asked about what Samaniego brings.
“That’s a good fastball from the left side,” Cora said. “He has an angle and a sinker to them. He’s still young, but I was waiting for him to get out there. When we traded for him, Andy called me right away and said, ‘Hey man, this guy is going to be a big leaguer.’ When, we don’t know, but he’s going to contribute at one point.”
Samaniego has made three appearances for Triple-A Worcester this season with a 3.38 ERA. The opportunity in front of him is real.
Final Word for the Red Sox
Slaten’s absence hurts. There is no way around it. Boston is 3-8 and in need of every reliable arm it can find.
Samaniego now gets his chance to answer the call. Cora believes he will contribute. This could be the start of finding out whether he is right.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Red Sox Get Bad News With Key Arm Sidelined appeared first on Heavy Sports.