Red Sox to promote starting pitcher acquired in Alex Verdugo trade

Mike Masala

Red Sox to promote starting pitcher acquired in Alex Verdugo trade image

The Boston Red Sox have taken the first two games of their series against the Chicago White Sox on Friday and Saturday, and now, they may have an interesting surprise for Sunday.

According to MassLive's Christopher Smith, Boston is expected to promote starting pitcher Richard Fitts to the major league squad to start Sunday's series finale.

Fitts, a 24-year-old righty, was originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB draft. Boston acquired him from New York in the Alex Verdugo trade this past offseason.

In 24 appearances (23 starts) for Triple-A Worcester this season, Fitts has posted a 4.17 ERA, a 1.277 WHIP and an 8.6 K/9 over 116 2/3 innings. However, he's been much better in his last six starts, allowing just nine runs in 34 innings.

The Red Sox have needed help in the rotation this year, and they're hoping that Fitts can fill a role in that group for the last few weeks and into 2025.

Boston has pushed Brayan Bello, who was supposed to start Sunday's game and was the last starting pitcher to be called up back in 2022, to Monday.

If the Red Sox complete this series sweep they could be just three games back of the final wild-card spot in the American League with 19 games left in their season.

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Mike Masala

Mike Masala Photo

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala