Following Wednesday night’s debacle that saw Red Sox pitching issue nine walks in a 5-3 loss to Tampa Bay, Boston general manager Ben Cherington made two moves to address a pitching staff that is last in the American League in most statistical categories, including a 4.86 ERA. The club dismissed pitching coach Juan Nieves. In addition, right-handed reliever Edward Mujica was designated for assignment, according to WEEI.com.
Nieves, a former Major League pitcher who authored a respectable track record as bullpen coach with the Chicago White Sox, guided a pitching staff that registered a 3.79 ERA during Boston’s 2013 season which ended with a World Series title. So far in 2015, though, the club has staggered to a 13-15 start, a mark that can be mostly attributed to ineffective outings by the rotation and the bullpen.
Mujica, who will receive $4.5 million in his final contract year with the Red Sox, has a 1-1 record with a 4.61 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP over 11 appearances and 13.2 innings. Opposing hitters have a .294 average against him.
Cherington’s next move will likely target the starting rotation. Top prospect Eduardo Rodriguez is the prime candidate to replace an existing starter. Justin Masterson is the current Red Sox starter most vulnerable to moving to the bullpen or being designated for assignment.
