Red Sox Make Tough Roster Move on Struggling Reliever

The Boston Red Sox bullpen just took another blow. Reliever Jordan Hicks landed on the injured list with a shoulder problem right before Friday’s series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Jared Carrabis first reported the move. MassLive’s Chris Cotillo confirmed it not long after.

Hicks joined Boston midseason in a much-talked-about trade. Since arriving, he’s struggled to find any rhythm on the mound.

This setback hurts the bullpen’s depth. It also stirs up questions about Hicks’ future with the team.

Jordan Hicks Heads to the Injured List

MLB’s injured list rules mean Hicks can’t return until at least September 19. The timing really couldn’t be worse for Boston, which is scrambling to patch together its pitching staff during a tense playoff race.

With Hicks out, the Red Sox have to hunt for reliable right-handed relief. That’s been a weak spot for them all year.

A Midseason Acquisition That Hasn’t Paid Off

Boston traded for Hicks in June as part of the Rafael Devers deal with the San Francisco Giants. Hopes were high—he’s known for his electric fastball and ability to rack up strikeouts.

But his time in Boston’s been rocky. Control issues and inconsistency have haunted him since day one.

In 21 appearances, Hicks gave up 17 earned runs and posted a rough 8.20 ERA. His last outing was especially brutal: four runs allowed while recording just one out against the Cleveland Guardians.

That outing probably pushed the team to put him on the IL. It really highlighted the command problems and those big innings that keep piling up against him.

Manager Alex Cora’s Perspective

Manager Alex Cora hasn’t hidden his frustration with the pitching woes. He’s called out the need for steady right-handed arms in the bullpen.

Still, Cora’s defended Hicks’ talent. He insists the team believes in him, but they need more consistency—especially when the game’s on the line.

Red Sox Roster Move: Chris Murphy Returns

The Red Sox called up left-hander Chris Murphy to fill the roster spot. Murphy brings a different look from the mound and might give the team some much-needed length and versatility.

This move shifts the bullpen dynamics. Other right-handers will have to pick up the slack, which could mean more pressure on younger pitchers or guys just back from their own injuries.

What Hicks’ Future Could Look Like

Hicks is under contract for two more seasons at $12 million annually. That’s a pretty clear sign the Red Sox aren’t ready to throw in the towel on him just yet.

But with these struggles, ending the year on the injured list could make his 2025 role a big question mark.

Keys to a Successful Return

If Hicks gets back late in September, Boston will be hoping for a reset. Honestly, it all comes down to a few things:

• Improved command: He’s got to cut down on walks and keep hitters off balance early in counts.
• Velocity utilization: Mixing in his fastball smartly with off-speed stuff could help him out.
• Health: The shoulder has to be right—no sense risking another setback.

If Hicks can nail these, he’s still got the raw stuff to make a difference. But let’s be real—the margin for error is shrinking fast when performance and health are both in doubt.

Final Thoughts

The Jordan Hicks injury is just the latest headache for a Red Sox pitching staff that’s already been stretched thin this season. Hicks came to Boston with plenty of upside, but honestly, his first few months haven’t lived up to what folks hoped for after the team traded for him from San Francisco.

Now, the bullpen faces another test. Can they patch things together without Hicks, and maybe even see him return stronger and more reliable down the stretch?

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