April 23, 2014 at 1:36 PM
Red Sox recall Alex Wilson; Daniel Nava optioned to Pawtucket
The Red Sox will recall right-handed reliever Alex Wilson from Triple-A Pawtucket for Wednesday's game against the New York Yankees. To make room for Wilson on the 25-man roster, outfielder Daniel Nava will be optioned to Pawtucket. This news was originally reported by Lou Merloni on WEEI radio, and confirmed by Alex Speier of WEEI.com.
With the bullpen depleted, the Red Sox reportedly wanted an extra arm in the bullpen for Wednesday's game. Wilson, who threw 1 1/3 innings on Monday, was a better immediate option than Brandon Workman or Rubby De La Rosa, who have started the past two games for the PawSox. Wilson, 27, has pitched eight scoreless innings so far in 2014, allowing only four hits, striking out nine and walking five. A second-round pick in the 2009 draft, Wilson made his major league debut in 2013, appearing in 26 games across three stints with Boston. He had a 4.88 ERA and 1.735 WHIP in 27 2/3 innings.
Nava, who played a key role on Boston's 2013 World Series-winning team, was off to a poor start in 2014 and became a victim of the roster crunch. After hitting .303/.385/.445 in 2013 - good for eighth in the American League in batting average and fifth in on-base percentage - Nava was just 10 for 67 to start 2014. With an option remaining, the Red Sox were able to clear the space for Wilson on the 25-man roster without risking the loss of a player on the 40-man.
Wilson's stay in Boston is expected to be brief. With his addition, the Red Sox will be carrying 13 pitchers, one more than their usual roster configuration, and oufielder Shane Victorino is scheduled to be activated on Thursday. Wilson will likely be optioned to open that space.
Photo credit: Alex Wilson by Kelly O'Connor