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Red Sox Claim Chris Mazza From Mets

By Chris Russo

Then-New York Mets pitcher Chris Mazza throws in a game against the Miami Marlins
Then-New York Mets pitcher Chris Mazza throws in a game against the Miami Marlins / Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

At least for the moment, the Boston Red Sox have filled their 40-man roster with an intriguing hurler.

The Red Sox have claimed pitcher Chris Mazza off waivers from the New York Mets.

Mazza pitched nine games in relief for the Mets in his rookie season in 2019. He finished 1-1 with a 5.51 ERA. Despite his high ERA, he did not allow a home run in 16 1/3 innings pitched. Though he is the last man on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox have added some non-roster invitees to spring training.

Mazza finished six of the nine games in which he pitched, and did not issue a wild pitch all year. Though he did not get a lot of time on the mound in 2019, his home run and wild pitch numbers indicate he has a great upside and can limit damage with both power hitters and with runners on base.

The Red Sox have struggled in the bullpen over the last couple of years, even during their 2018 World Series title run, during which time Craig Kimbrel and Joe Kelly, both now with other teams, essentially anchored the back end of the pitching staff. Look for Mazza to try and make a difference for the club from Day 1.