Two weeks after he was acquired in the Rafael Devers blockbuster, Jordan Hicks is officially active.
The Red Sox announced they had activated the hard-throwing right-hander prior to Monday’s series opener against Cincinnati.
To clear space on the roster the club optioned right-hander Zack Kelly to Triple-A Worcester. Earlier in the day the club also activated infielder Marcelo Mayer from the bereavement leave list and optioned infielder Nick Sogard to Triple-A.
Hicks is expected to slot into a high-leverage bullpen role with the Red Sox, serving as the primary eighth-inning set-up man to bridge the gap to closer Aroldis Chapman. Hicks previously thrived in a similar role earlier in his career, especially during his stint with the St. Louis Cardinals, but after signing with the San Francisco Giants ahead of the 2024 season he transitioned to the starting rotation, where his results were more mixed.
This season Hicks has posted a 6.47 ERA in 13 appearances (nine starts), and he was in the process of shifting back to the bullpen with the Giants prior to going on the 15-day injured list with right toe inflammation. Upon joining the Red Sox he and the club continued that transition process, and the hope is now he can give the bullpen a badly needed boost.
On the mend
Right-hander Hunter Dobbins (right elbow strain) threw a bullpen on Monday and barring any setbacks is expected to go on a rehab assignment over the weekend. Dobbins may only need to make one rehab start before he’s ready to return. … Masataka Yoshida (right shoulder labral repair) will begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday.
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