What Does Johan Oviedo's Injury Mean For Red Sox's Rotation?
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What Does Johan Oviedo's Injury Mean For Red Sox's Rotation? originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox are placing Johan Oviedo on the 15-day injured list with an elbow strain. How could the move impact the rest of the starting rotation?
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Oviedo is reportedly going to meet with Dr. Keith Meister, who did his Tommy John surgery in 2023, to compare MRIs and see what's actually going on with his elbow. The velocity on his four-seam fastball was down 2.5 mph from last season in his first outing with the Red Sox. The velocity drop was something that was seen in his final spring training start as well.
In the short term, his injury puts the Red Sox bullpen in a tough spot. The Red Sox had him in the bullpen because they needed length while Ranger Suarez and Brayan Bello complete their buildups. With Oviedo no longer available as a piggyback option, this go through the rotation could tax the bullpen.
The Red Sox have other length options, but if Oviedo is out long-term, the rotation could be greatly impacted. The original plan was to reportedly re-assess Oviedo and Connelly Early's role after a couple of rounds through the rotation. However, if Oviedo cannot pitch, Early would remain in the starting rotation.
In the case where Oviedo is out and Early struggles, the Red Sox could call on some of their pitching depth. Perhaps Payton Tolle could get a look in the rotation if Early struggles.
In reality, the Red Sox need to await more information on Oviedo's injury. His stint on the injured list essentially guarantees that Early will remain in the rotation past this turn through. If Oviedo misses significant time, Patrick Sandoval could come into play as a replacement long relief option in the bullpen.
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