Red Sox Bullpen Takes Hit: Slaten Lands on IL
Red Sox Injury Updates: Slaten Sidelined, Chapman Secures Contract, Yoshida Hits IL
What Happened This Weekend?
The Boston Red Sox had a busy weekend with several important player updates. Let’s break down everything that happened in simple terms.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
Important Points to Remember:
- Reliever Slaten is going on the injured list with arm soreness
- Aroldis Chapman secured a $13 million contract option for 2027
- Masataka Yoshida landed on the injured list with a hamstring injury
- The team called up two players from Worcester to fill roster spots
- Willson Contreras got a planned rest day for his hamstring
Section 1: Slaten’s Arm Trouble
What Happened?
Right-handed pitcher Josh Slaten felt soreness in his arm after pitching on August 9 (against the A’s) and again on August 12 (against the Blue Jays).
The Breaking Point
On Saturday, while warming up in the bullpen during the Red Sox’s 4-0 win over the Pirates, Slaten realized the discomfort had gotten worse.
In His Own Words
"It just got a little too much to the point where 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."
Slaten’s Season Stats
- ERA: 4.60 (inflated by early struggles)
- Strikeout Rate: 28%
- Recent Hot Streak: Hadn’t blown a lead since May 22
- Dominant Stretch (July 7 – Aug 2): 8⅔ scoreless innings, 10 strikeouts, 1 walk
What’s Next?
- Slaten will meet with a doctor in Boston this week
- May or may not need an MRI (previous soreness didn’t require one)
- Team is "pretty confident that hopefully it won’t take too long"
Section 2: Why the Erik Miller Trade Matters More Now
With both Slaten and Garrett Whitlock out, the trade deadline acquisition of left-hander Erik Miller becomes crucial.
Miller’s Performance Since Joining:
- 0 earned runs allowed
- 41% strikeout rate (very impressive!)
Manager Chad Tracy’s Take:
"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."
Section 3: Chapman’s Big Payday
The Milestone
Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless 9th inning on Saturday — his 40th appearance of the season.
Why 40 Appearances Matters
This triggered a mutual option in his contract for the 2027 season worth $13 million (guaranteed if he passes a year-end physical).
Chapman’s Reaction:
"I feel like home here. I’m super happy that I’m able to come back next year to a place that I really like."
Why the Sox Are Happy Too
In two seasons with Boston:
- 1.50 ERA — lowest in team history for a pitcher with 100+ innings
- 34% strikeout rate — third highest in team history
Section 4: Yoshida’s Hamstring Injury
What Happened?
Masataka Yoshida hurt his hamstring during Saturday night’s game and was placed on the injured list Sunday.
His Season So Far:
- Overall: .274/.347/.399
- August (before injury): .326/.380/.512 — was on fire!
- Had been earning more starts as the leadoff hitter
Next Steps:
- Will be examined in Boston this week
- Recovery timeline still unknown
Section 5: Roster Moves — Who’s Coming Up?
With Slaten and Yoshida on the IL, the Red Sox recalled two players from Triple-A Worcester (the "WooSox"):
| Player | Position | Recent Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Mickey Gasper | Catcher/Infielder | .337/.450/.566 in Triple-A; .243/.305/.308 in 34 MLB games earlier this year |
| Raymond Burgos | Left-handed pitcher | Pitched 4 innings of 1-run relief Sunday (around a 2h34m rain delay); previously threw 6 innings over 2 days earlier this month |
Section 6: Other Notes from the Weekend
Willson Contreras — Planned Rest
- First baseman got Sunday off to manage left hamstring tightness
- Team is being careful with this ongoing issue
- Manager Tracy: "He keeps us posted on if he feels like that’s getting a little tight. He’s getting a day to make sure we can get him healthy and on the field."
Trevor Story — Rehab Start!
- Out since mid-May with a sports hernia
- Started rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester
- Went 1-for-2, played 4 innings at shortstop
Upcoming Pitching Plan (16 Straight Days of Games)
The team is managing rest carefully:
- Monday: Alec Gamboa starts vs. Diamondbacks (bullpen game)
- Brayan Bello available behind Gamboa
- Tuesday: Ranger Suarez starts (extra rest)
- Wednesday: Payton Tolle starts (extra rest)
- Rookie Jake Bennett gets multiple extra days off — won’t pitch until Giants series next weekend
Summary
| Topic | Status |
|---|---|
| Josh Slaten | IL — arm soreness, doctor visit this week |
| Erik Miller | Now critical bullpen piece with 41% K-rate |
| Aroldis Chapman | 40th appearance = $13M 2027 option guaranteed |
| Masataka Yoshida | IL — hamstring, timeline TBD |
| Mickey Gasper | Recalled — hot in Triple-A (.566 SLG) |
| Raymond Burgos | Recalled — 4 innings Sunday, reliable long relief |
| Willson Contreras | Day off — hamstring management |
| Trevor Story | Rehab started — 1-for-2, 4 innings at SS |
FAQ
1. What is an "ERA" and why does Slaten’s 4.60 matter?
ERA stands for Earned Run Average — it’s the average number of runs a pitcher allows per 9 innings. Lower is better. Slaten’s 4.60 is okay but not great; however, his recent performance (8⅔ scoreless innings over 10 games) shows he was pitching much better than that number suggests.
2. What does "mutual option" mean in Chapman’s contract?
A mutual option means both the team AND the player must agree to pick up the contract for 2027. Since Chapman hit 40 appearances, the option is now guaranteed (as long as he passes a physical) — so he will be back next year for $13 million.
3. Why did the Sox recall Mickey Gasper if he didn’t hit well earlier?
Gasper struggled in his first MLB stint (.243 average), but he’s been crushing the ball in Triple-A (.337 average, .566 slugging). The Sox believe he’s figured something out and want to see if it translates back to the majors.
4. What’s a "bullpen game" and why use one Monday?
A bullpen game means no traditional starter — instead, multiple relievers pitch 1-3 innings each. The Sox are doing this Monday to give extra rest to their starters (Suarez, Tolle, and especially rookie Jake Bennett) during a grueling 16-games-in-16-days stretch.
5. How serious is Yoshida’s hamstring injury?
We don’t know yet — he’ll be examined in Boston this week. Hamstring injuries can range from a few days to several weeks. The fact that he was moved to the IL immediately suggests it’s at least a mild strain, but his hot August (.512 slugging) makes this a significant loss for the lineup.
Article based on reporting by Alex Speier (alex.speier@globe.com, @alexspeier)