The Red Sox pulled several roster moves ahead of the waiver window, designating right-hander Nick Burdi for assignment and recalling left-hander Jovani Moran from Triple-A Worcester to take a bullpen spot. They also added recently claimed catcher Ali Sanchez to the active roster while optioning infielders David Hamilton and left-hander Chris Murphy to Worcester.
Burdi, 32, moved to the DFA after a showing this season that included five innings of work before a foot injury landed him on the 60-day injured list. He was reinstated earlier this month but sent to Worcester rather than activated onto the major league roster. In Worcester this season, Burdi has been dominant, posting a 1.88 ERA with a 32.7% strikeout rate and a 10.2% walk rate across 24 innings. With the trade deadline behind them, Boston now has five days to place Burdi on waivers, where clubs will compete for his contract based on the reverse standings order.
Moran, 28, will give the Red Sox another bullpen option. He was acquired from Minnesota in December in the swap that sent catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper to the Twins. Moran missed the first two-plus months of the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery but has been effective since returning, delivering 18 1/3 innings in Triple-A with a 3.44 ERA, a striking 35.1% rate, and a manageable 4.1% walk rate. His Major League track record is mixed but notable for high strikeout capability when healthy. Moran sits 93-94 mph with his four-seam fastball and backs it with a changeup; he’s primarily a two-pitch reliever. He has one minor league option year remaining and has not yet spent time on the 40-man roster this season. If he’s sent down for 20 or more days at any point, he would be out of options next year.
Ali Sanchez, a catcher who had been claimed recently, was added to the active roster, providing an extra depth option behind the plate.
Hamilton and Murphy were sent to Worcester, opening a roster spot as the club adjusts to post-deadline logistics.
Context and outlook: Burdi’s DFA opens a spot in the bullpen, and Moran’s arrival gives Boston a projectable right-handed option with upside if he can regain his pre-injury form. Moran’s high strikeout ceiling remains appealing if he can translate his Triple-A success back to the majors. The waiver process means Burdi could land with another club within the next few days, but the Sox will gain clarity once the claim window plays out. If Moran stabilizes in Boston, he could provide a controllable bullpen asset for several seasons.
Summary: Boston reshuffles its bullpen and roster after the deadline, elevating Moran from Worcester and designating Burdi for assignment while adding Sanchez to the active roster and sending Hamilton and Murphy to Triple-A. The moves reflect a push for bullpen depth and potential upside for the club’s relief corps down the stretch.
Notes for readers: Keep an eye on whether Burdi clears waivers or is claimed, and how Moran adapts to the majors if he joins the bullpen from Worcester. If Moran can recapture even a portion of his pre-surgery form, he could emerge as a valuable, controllable arm for the Red Sox in 2025 and beyond.