Red Sox Demote Ryan Brasier to Triple-A and Add Top Prospect Darwinzon Hernandez

On Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox announced they've demoted struggling right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier to Triple-A Pawtucket. To take his spot on the roster, they will recall lefty Darwinzon Hernandez, the No. 3-ranked prospect in their system according to MLB Pipeline.

#RedSox recall LHP Darwinzon Hernandez from @PawSox and option RHP Ryan Brasier. Here's a closer look the @RedSox's No. 3 prospect, who has pitched exclusively (and well) in relief in July: https://t.co/k7ug6AG8E6 pic.twitter.com/nrBD7IZ212
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 16, 2019

Brasier was expected to be Boston's go-to closer this season with the loss of Craig Kimbrel, but he's been far from reliable in the ninth inning (or various other situations). Over Brasier's last seven appearances, the 31-year-old owns a 9.00 ERA and has allowed 7 earned runs on 11 hits in just seven innings of work.

In 44 total appearances on the season, Brasier owns a 4.24 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 40.1 innings.

Hernandez, 22, has already made his MLB debut this year with Boston. In just two appearances (one start) with the big league club, he has gone 5.1 innings and allowed 4 runs on 7 hits with 6 strikeouts.

the red sox lead when the bullpen enters: pic.twitter.com/WN58MxfvB8
— chris? (@DunkinIced) July 10, 2019

The Red Sox were planning on having a closer by committee this season, with Brasier sharing time with the likes of Matt Barnes and Brandon Workman. However, Boston now possesses one of the worst bullpens in the American League and has no clear solution at the back end.

Nathan Eovaldi is expected to move to the bullpen and become the club's closer when he's healthy, but GM Dave Dombrowski needs to add more help to this relief corps if he hopes for a postseason run come October. That's why Hernandez's latest audition is so important.