UPDATE: Javier Lopez is the one that gets the boot. I’m surprised; he was decent for us the last three years and they could have optioned Hunter Jones. What about Jones did they prefer to Lopez and what he’s done the last three years? Not sure. True, Lopez was starting to take on the work of a mopup man, but as Eric Van noted, when pitching on 1-4 days of rest (the general time relievers get) he was quite good.
Not just that, but demoting Jones would have ensured the Sox didn’t lose any talent. Oh well, dude’s gone. He’ll definitely land on another team, either via trade or waivers.
I’m on the clock at Rotoworld.com this morning where I do the player updates. I just posted an exciting transaction:
The Red Sox purchased the contract of RHP Daniel Bard from Triple-A Pawtucket, reports the Providence Journal. Bard struck out 29 batters in 16 innings, saving six games. He should immediately become a late-inning option in a Sox bullpen that has struggled as of late. No word on the corresponding roster move, as the Sox will have to not only make room on the 25-man roster, but the 40-man as well.
Takashi Saito has been anything but impressive in a Red Sox uniform, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Sox turn to Bard in a high-leverage situation today.