Red Sox Option Oscar Hernandez and Josh Smith to Triple-A as David Price and Sandy Leon Return
By Michael Luciano
The cavalry is finally mounting up for the Boston Red Sox after what seemed like an eternity.
Starter David Price has been on the IL with elbow tendinitis, while catcher Sandy Leon missed the last few games while on paternity leave. Ahead of their impending returns, reliever Josh Smith and catcher Oscar Hernandez were optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket in corresponding moves.
Josh Smith and Oscar Hernandez getting the handshakes in the #RedSox clubhouse. Appears they'll be optioned to activate David Price and Sandy Leon for Monday's game at Toronto.
— Bill Koch (@BillKoch25) May 19, 2019
Price is scheduled to make his next start against Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays.
In the beginning of the season, when Boston's rotation was totally in tatters, Price was the one member of that staff who was at least competent, going 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA. His return could be game changing for the defending champs' staff.
David Price returns to the Red Sox rotation in Monday's series opener vs. the Blue Jays.
— NESN (@NESN) May 19, 2019
Check out the pitching matchup on "Red Sox Final."https://t.co/62TYsxsCDU pic.twitter.com/hK6P6psnQp
Leon has established himself as one of the best defensive catchers in all of baseball and an invaluable backup to Christian Vasquez. While his .177 average is ugly, his value to this team goes beyond the box score.
The Red Sox could finally start to hit their stride and get back to what they can be with Price and Leon coming backed locked in and ready to go.