Red Sox Place Hector Velazquez on IL With Back Injury
By Parker White
Boston's bullpen just got a little bit thinner.
On Wednesday, the Red Sox placed right-handed pitcher Hector Velazquez on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain. To fill his spot on the active roster, right-handed pitcher Josh Smith has been recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket.
#RedSox have placed Hector Velázquez on the 10-day IL with a low back strain. Josh Smith from recalled from Pawtucket.
— Guerin Austin (@guerinaustin) June 19, 2019
Velazquez pitched four innings and allowed just one run during Boston's 17-inning affair with the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. Considering the marathon matinee, it's not a shock that they needed to make a move to bring up a pitcher who is rested and ready to go.
However, Velazquez was just activated from the injured list on Monday after missing nearly three weeks with a the same injury. Now he'll be placed back on the shelf as the ailment has recurred.
Red Sox Place Hector Velazquez On 10-Day IL https://t.co/QjZF0rEB6e pic.twitter.com/yInIWrayxU
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) June 19, 2019
Velazquez has appeared in 19 games (seven starts) for Boston this season, posting a 1-3 record with a 5.59 ERA and 35 strikeouts over 38.2 innings.
Smith has made eight appearances (two starts) with the big league team this year, posting an 0-2 record with a 6.28 ERA and 12 strikeouts over 14.1 innings of work.