Nick Burdi’s time with the Boston Red Sox has come to an end, at least for now.
The veteran right-hander was designated for assignment Monday, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. To fill his roster spot, the team is set to recall left-hander Jovani Morán from Triple-A Worcester, Cotillo reports.
Burdi, 31, signed a minor league deal with Boston in February after spending last season with the New York Yankees. He began the year in Worcester before getting the call to the majors in mid-May, making two scoreless appearances against the Atlanta Braves.
Burdi’s big league career spans parts of six seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Yankees and Red Sox, totaling 33 appearances. Long known for a power fastball and sharp slider, Burdi’s progress has been slowed by multiple injuries, including right hip inflammation that sidelined him earlier this season.
Morán, 27, joined the organization over the offseason in a trade with the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper. The lefty is returning from Tommy John surgery and had not pitched in the majors since 2023.
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His work in Worcester this year has been encouraging, with a 1-0 record, 3.44 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 18 ⅓ innings across 12 appearances. Boston has been focused on refining his arsenal, adding a cutter and curveball to complement his fastball and signature changeup. Improved command of those pitches could help curb the walk issues that hampered him in previous major league stints.
While Burdi now awaits word on his next landing spot, Morán gets an opportunity to bring his swing-and-miss stuff back to the big leagues.
Boston will look for him to provide quality left-handed depth in a bullpen that has shuffled through names frequently throughout the season.
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