Slaten to IL: Red Sox Bullpen Takes Heavy Blow
Red Sox Update: Injuries, Contract Wins, and Roster Moves Explained Simply
Note: This article covers news from mid-August 2026 about the Boston Red Sox.
The Big Picture
The Boston Red Sox are dealing with a few bumps in the road right now. Two key players are hurt, but the team made some smart moves earlier that are helping them stay strong. Think of it like your soccer team losing a couple of starters but having great substitutes ready to go.
Zach Slaten Hits the Injured List
What Happened?
Zach Slaten is a relief pitcher (a guy who comes in late in the game to get outs). He’s been dealing with arm soreness for a little while.
The Timeline
- August 9 — Felt sore after pitching against the Oakland A’s
- August 12 — Soreness came back after an inning against the Toronto Blue Jays
- August 16 (Saturday) — Tried to warm up in the bullpen (the practice area) but realized the discomfort had gotten worse
What Slaten Said
"It just got a little too much… I was pitching and just for two or three days afterward just not recovering well at all. It’s better for me, for the team, for the guys in the bullpen to just go ahead and get this cleaned up, get it fixed [with rest], and then be ready to go down the stretch."
His Stats This Season
| Stat | What It Means | His Number |
|---|---|---|
| ERA | Average runs allowed per 9 innings (lower is better) | 4.60 |
| Strikeout Rate | How often he strikes batters out | 28% |
Important Context: His numbers look worse than he actually pitched lately because he struggled early in the season. Recently, he was lights out:
- 10-game stretch (July 7 – Aug 2)
- 8⅔ innings, 0 runs allowed
- 10 strikeouts, only 1 walk
- Hasn’t blown a lead since May 22
What’s Next?
- Meeting with a doctor in Boston this week
- Might need an MRI (a detailed picture of the inside of his arm), but previous soreness didn’t require one
- Team is "pretty confident that hopefully it won’t take too long"
The Erik Miller Trade Pays Off
When the Red Sox traded for Erik Miller (a left-handed reliever) at the trade deadline, this is exactly the situation they were planning for.
Why Miller Matters Now
With both Slaten and Garrett Whitlock out, Miller becomes super important.
Miller’s Performance Since Joining
- 0 earned runs allowed (perfect so far!)
- 41% strikeout rate (strikes out nearly half the batters he faces)
Interim Manager Chad Tracy said: "This is why [the Sox traded for Miller]. Having him and looking down there, saying there’s still some viable options down there to get us through this, it’s very important."
Aroldis Chapman Wins Big: $13 Million Guaranteed!
What Happened?
Aroldis Chapman (the 38