The Boston Red Sox are less than two months into the 2025 MLB season, and their early campaign has already been marred by injuries, especially when it comes to pitchers. Tanner Houck, Richard Fitts, Kutter Crawford, and Walker Buehler were all on the injured list for one reason or another as of Tuesday, leaving time to tell when the Red Sox's situation would improve.
Even though it'll take some time for each banged-up pitcher to return to action, one injured Red Sox hurler is officially ready to hit the mound. Unfortunately, it's coming at a recent call-up's expense.
Red Sox Option Nick Burdi as Walker Buehler Returns From IL
A few hours before Tuesday's clash against the Mets, MassLive's Chris Cotillo reported that the Red Sox have activated Buehler from the injured list. As a result of the two-time All-Star pitcher's return, right-handed relief arm Nick Burdi is being optioned to Triple-A Worcester.
Burdi's run with the Red Sox was brief, to say the least. The 32-year-old RHP was called up from Worcester for the first time on May despite signing a minor-league contract with Boston in February. Now, only time will reveal when he'll receive another opportunity.
During his five-day run, Burdi pitched 2 1/3 innings across a pair of appearances. The former Louisville Cardinal tallied a strikeout with a walk allowed against the 10 batters he faced, keeping the opposition scoreless along the way. He now returns to Worcester, where he looked dominant with a 3-0 record, 0.54 ERA, three saves, and 25 strikeouts across 16 2/3 innings in 13 relief appearances.
As Burdi fights to earn his next MLB call-up, all eyes will be on Buehler to see how he fares against the Mets on Tuesday night. The two-time World Series winner is 4-1 with a 4.28 ERA and 29 Ks in six starts since signing a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Red Sox in December, and looked to be improving with each appearance until he ended up on the IL.
If Buehler picks up from where he left off and Burdi continues to dazzle in the minors, both hurlers could be a part of any potential success Boston sees later this year. Speaking of which, the Red Sox are currently tied for the 11th-best 2025 World Series odds on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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