Jordan Hicks is officially active two weeks after being acquired in the Rafael Devers deal.
Before Monday’s series opening against Cincinnati, the Red Sox declared that they had activated the hard-throwing right-hander.
The team optioned right-hander Zack Kelly to Triple-A Worcester in order to make room on the roster. The team also optioned infielder Nick Sogard to Triple-A earlier in the day and reinstated Marcelo Mayer from the bereavement leave list.
As the main eighth-inning set-up man to fill in for closer Aroldis Chapman, Hicks is anticipated to play a high-leverage bullpen position for the Red Sox. Prior to the 2024 season, Hicks flourished in a similar capacity, particularly with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, he moved to the starting rotation with the San Francisco Giants, where his performance was less consistent.
Before being placed on the 15-day disabled list due to irritation in his right toe, Hicks was in the midst of moving back to the bullpen with the Giants, where he had a 6.47 ERA in 13 appearances (nine starts) this season. He and the team continued that transition process after he joined the Red Sox, and it is hoped that he will now be able to provide much-needed support to the bullpen.
Hunter Dobbins, a right-hander with a strained right elbow, threw a bullpen on Monday and is anticipated to go on a rehab assignment over the weekend, barring any setbacks. Before he’s ready to go back, Dobbins might only need to make one rehab start. On Tuesday, Masataka Yoshida (right shoulder labral repair) will start his Triple-A Worcester rehabilitation assignment.
