Red Sox Shuffle Bullpen Deck: Joely Rodríguez to IL, Chris Murphy Returns Amid Playoff Push

The Boston Red Sox's ongoing battle for a playoff berth just got a little tougher, as the club announced another significant bullpen adjustment. Veteran left-handed reliever Joely Rodríguez has been placed on the 15-day injured list, effective September 1st, due to left shoulder inflammation. To fill his spot on the active roster, the Red Sox have recalled fellow southpaw Chris Murphy from Triple-A Worcester.

Rodríguez's absence is a notable blow to a Red Sox bullpen that has already been stretched thin this season.

The 32-year-old lefty had been a reliable arm for manager Alex Cora, posting a solid 3.14 ERA across 28 appearances and 28 2/3 innings pitched. During his time on the mound, he recorded 29 strikeouts against 13 walks, along with two saves and one hold. His ability to get crucial outs in high-leverage situations will be sorely missed, especially as the team navigates the intense final stretch of the regular season.

This move adds Rodríguez to an already lengthy list of Red Sox relievers who have spent time on the sidelines, including notable names like Kenley Jansen, Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten, and Chris Martin.

The constant shuffling and strain on the pitching staff highlight the organizational depth challenges and the resilience required from every available arm.

Stepping back into the big league spotlight is Chris Murphy, a 26-year-old left-hander who has shown promise in his time with the WooSox. In 19 starts for Worcester this season, Murphy compiled a 4-2 record with a 4.29 ERA over 90 1/3 innings.

He demonstrated his strikeout potential with 91 punchouts, though he also issued 30 walks. Most recently, Murphy delivered a strong outing, tossing six innings in his last Triple-A appearance, suggesting he's in good form to contribute.

As the Red Sox continue their fervent pursuit of a postseason spot, every roster decision carries immense weight.

Murphy's recall provides a fresh arm and an opportunity to make an impact, while Rodríguez's injury underscores the relentless physical toll of a major league season. Boston will rely on its depth and the "next man up" mentality to navigate these challenges and keep their playoff hopes alive.