The Boston Red Sox made several roster moves early today, highlighting right-hander Justin Slaten’s placement on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. To fill his roster spot, right-handed pitcher Luis Guerrero was added, while infielder/outfielder Nate Eaton had his contract selected. Additionally, infielder Nick Sogard was sent down to Triple-A, and catcher Blake Sabol was designated for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster.
Justin Slaten’s Role and Recent Performance in Boston’s Bullpen
At 27 years old, Justin Slaten has become a vital reliever for the Red Sox since joining via the 2023 Rule 5 draft from the Texas Rangers. Over 78 2/3 innings, he has maintained a solid 3.09 ERA and an even more impressive 2.77 FIP, establishing himself as one of Boston’s key setup men. Last season, Slaten often pitched in crucial moments ahead of closer Kenley Jansen and has continued in a similar role this year supporting Aroldis Chapman.
However, this season has shown a noticeable decline in Slaten’s effectiveness. His strikeout percentage has decreased to 17.8%, while his walk rate has increased to 7.8%. His ground ball rate has also dropped nearly ten percentage points compared to last year. This downturn coincides with his recently disclosed shoulder fatigue, which might explain the dip in his numbers.
Slaten’s Injury Outlook and Team Expectations
Speaking with reporters including Chris Cotillo of MassLive, Slaten described his shoulder issue as fatigue and expressed optimism about returning after the mandatory hiatus on the injured list. The team hopes that this two-week break will allow Slaten to recover fully and regain the dominant performance he showed in 2024. As a key bullpen piece, his recovery is crucial for maintaining Boston’s pitching strength down the stretch.
Blake Sabol’s Designation and Catching Depth Adjustments
Blake Sabol, also 27 and a Rule 5 draft selection like Slaten, was designated for assignment as the Red Sox clear roster space. Originally drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2022, Sabol appeared in 121 games over parts of two seasons, hitting .243/.313/.392 with a 95 wRC+. The Giants released him in January due to limited offensive and defensive development before Boston acquired him via trade.
This season, Sabol has been a depth player for Boston, participating in eight games but struggling offensively with a -14 wRC+. The Red Sox now have a week to arrange a trade or place Sabol on waivers. If unclaimed, the team can outright him to their minor league system for further depth. Boston’s catching corps is currently anchored by Connor Wong and Carlos Narvaez, with prospects like Yasmani Grandal and Seby Zavala providing additional options in the minors.
Additional Roster Moves and Implications for Boston
Alongside Slaten’s IL placement and Sabol’s roster removal, moving Nick Sogard to Triple-A created further roster flexibility. The additions of Luis Guerrero and Nate Eaton—previously reported—aim to bolster depth across the pitching staff and infield/outfield positions. These changes reflect Boston’s ongoing adjustments as they manage injuries and balance performance needs during the season.
Slaten’s shoulder issue and subsequent absence will be closely monitored, as the bullpen’s effectiveness remains critical for the Red Sox’s competitive outlook. Meanwhile, Sabol’s future hinges on roster decisions in the coming week, with Boston aiming to maximize flexibility without losing valuable depth. The club’s strategic moves underscore the challenges of maintaining a balanced, effective roster amid the rigors of a long Major League Baseball season.