July 9, 2013 at 11:20 PM
Red Sox add Workman to MLB bullpen, recall Bradley
The Red Sox roster merry-go-round continued spinning on Tuesday. To help shore up a beleaguered bullpen and injury-riddled outfield, the team selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Brandon Workman (pictured) and recalled center fielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. from Pawtucket. To make room on the roster, the team placed Alex Wilson on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right thumb and optioned right-hander Jose De La Torre to Pawtucket. Bradley is in tonight's lineup, batting ninth and playing center field, while Workman will be available out of the bullpen.
Workman received his first major league call-up after a strong season split between Portland and Pawtucket. Workman has worked as a starter for the entirety of his minor league career, but Red Sox manager John Farrell intimated to reporters that Workman would have the opportunity to pin down a full-time role in the major league bullpen. With just over three weeks until the non-waiver trade deadline, the club is likely evaluating Workman as an internal option to help shore up a bullpen weakened by the recent season-ending injury to Andrew Miller. Workman took the spot on the club's 40-man roster vacated when Jonathan Diaz was outrighted to Pawtucket.
On the year, Workman has pitched 101 innings, going 8-2 with a 3.21 ERA split between Double-A and Triple-A. He has struck out 108 batters and walked just 30, allowing 90 hits. As a starter, Workman utilized a four-pitch mix. His fastball sat in the low 90s, topping out at 95. He also throws a strong cutter, a curveball, and a developing changeup. His jerky mechanics have led scouts to project him as a potential reliever since he first signed after being selected in the second round of the 2010 draft by the Red Sox, and he could potentially turn into a very good late-inning reliever based on his repertoire playing up in shorter stints.
Bradley was recalled to Boston for the third time this season to shore up an injury-depleted outfield. With Jacoby Ellsbury (sprained wrist) out and Shane Victorino (sore hamstring) at least at less than 100 percent, Bradley's strong defense in center field was needed in the spacious confines of Seattle's Safeco Field. In 59 major league plate appearances over 19 games, Bradley is hitting just .154/.254/.269 with 17 strikeouts this year, but he has continued to shine in Triple-A, hitting .297/.393/.530 in 45 games with Pawtucket.
Photo credit: Brandon Workman by Kelly O'Connor.
Chris Hatfield is Executive Editor of SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @SPChrisHatfield.