Boston Red Sox relief news: Tyler Thornburg healthy and ready to deliver

The Boston Red Sox need relief pitching and that relief may come from someone making his way back on the 25-man roster.

With the MLB Trade Deadline fast approaching, the Boston Red Sox will certainly be on the market for a relief pitcher, primary a setup man for closer Craig Kimbrel.  But, how desperate they are in their search and how much they are willing to give up may just depend on a man who was initially required to be that setup man.

That’s right, Tyler Thornburg is finally healthy and on his way back to the 25-man roster.  So Red Sox fans finally get to see what he can do on the mound.

According to MLB.com, he will be activated for Wednesday’s series finale against the Washington Nationals.

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It’s been a long journey, but Thornburg’s shoulder is finally feeling strong after having thoracic outlet syndrome repair surgery last June. To say he is excited about his return would be an understatement.

"“It’s just been one of those that at times it’s felt like it was never going to get here and then other times it felt like it was right around the corner and kept going and going so, yeah, I feel like I’ve been waiting long enough so I’m definitely excited,” Thornburg said, as transcribed by MLB.com."

Acquired in a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers for Travis Shaw and prospects Mauricio Dubon and Josh Pennington, Thornburg has yet to live up to his end of the deal.  In fact, the trade was considered a loss for Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowksi. With the team in need of another bat last season, Shaw’s production with the Brewers had many second guessing the deal, especially with Thornburg shelved.

Almost two years later, Dombrowki’s deal could show some value if Tyler Thornburg comes close to being the pitcher he was with the Brewers.

Easing Thornburg back in

The Boston Red Sox will certainly ease Thornburg back in until he gets back into the grove on the mound facing major league pitching.

Patience will be a key and expect Red Sox manager Alex Cora to take a conservative approach when it comes to workload.  Hopefully, once he shows the strength in his shoulder is strong he could become that setup man towards the end of the season and going into the playoffs.

"“It’s going to be something where I’m going to have to stay on it and be smart about, Thornburg said regarding his workload.  “But the good part is as the season progresses it should be something that just continues to tick up the more outings I get.”"

Next: Boston Red Sox starting pitching conundrum

It’s also going to take a big of confidence for Tyler Thornburg to turn into a major factor for the Boston Red Sox in 2018.