The Boston Red Sox have had a plethora of pitchers appear on the mound in 2024. The revolving door continued on Thursday, with two Red Sox relievers electing to enter free agency over a trip to the minor leagues. Left-hander Joely Rodríguez and right-hander Brad Keller are both no longer with the club. The decisions don’t necessarily come as a surprise after recent roster transactions over the last few days.
Yesterday, the #RedSox outrighted LHP Joely Rodriguez off the Major League roster. He has elected to become a free agent.
The Red Sox today outrighted RHP Brad Keller off the Major League roster. He has elected to become a free agent.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 29, 2024
Two Red Sox Relievers Elect Free Agency Over Minors
Joely Rodríguez
Rodríguez appeared 14 times in the major leagues this season, pitching a total of 13 ⅔ innings. Most of his work came at the beginning of the season. Rodríguez threw in 11 of his contests before the end of April. After massive struggles and a 6.55 ERA, the 32-year-old was designated for assignment on April 28. Rodríguez cleared waivers and returned to Boston’s organization with Triple-A Worcester. He was much better there, posting a 1.88 ERA. That was enough for the Red Sox to bring Rodríguez back on August 23. He lasted under a week before being DFA’ed again on Monday. Rodríguez ended his time in the organization with a 5.93 ERA.
This season was Rodríguez’s second with Boston. He threw 11 innings in the majors last year, recording a high 6.55 ERA. The lefty made his MLB debut in 2016 with the Philadelphia Phillies. After departing Pennsylvania, he spent time with the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and New York Mets. In 182 career games, Rodríguez has a 4.80 ERA and 1.500 WHIP. He is now free to sign with any club.
Brad Keller
Thursday’s decision marked the third time Keller elected free agency in 2024, and the second time he did so with Boston. He originally left the Chicago White Sox in May. The Red Sox scooped Keller up but, on August 13, he was sent down to Triple-A. The righty decided to leave the club the next day. He soon returned and signed a new deal with Boston.
Keller’s second stint with the organization lasted just over two weeks and he was released on Tuesday. His overall tenure with the Red Sox wasn’t pretty. He appeared 11 times, throwing 24 ⅔ frames. Keller allowed four runs in as many innings in his first game in Boston. He struggled on the back end of his time as well. Keller had a 9.00 ERA in his final three contests with the club.
George Springer unloads for a 3-run dinger and a Blue Jays lead pic.twitter.com/oAKk3ZG4Zd
— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) August 27, 2024
Keller made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Kansas City Royals. He spent his first six seasons with the American League Central team, starting in 114 of his 150 games. Keller’s best year was during the COVID-shortened campaign. He recorded a 2.47 ERA in nine starts in 2020, including a complete game. Keller left Kansas City in 2023 and signed with the White Sox ahead of the current season.
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