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Tyler Thornburg is done, but the Red Sox bullpen will be just fine

By Trey Daubert

Mar 1, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tyler Thornburg (47) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tyler Thornburg (47) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Red Sox reliever Tyler Thornburg will undergo season ending thoracic outlet surgery. Do the Red Sox need to upgrade their bullpen?

Tyler Thornburg’s season ended before it ever began. The right-hander was supposed to be the 8th inning man for Boston this year but never made an appearence due to shoulder complications. Thornburg will now undergo surgery to fix his thoracic outlet syndrome.

Red Sox beat writer Jen McCaffrey reported that Boston expects Thornburg to return for the start of the 2018 season.

Nine months post surgery would bring Thornburg back into the mix in March during the midst of spring training. Thornburg, 28, was acquired from Milwaukee this past offseason in a trade package involving Travis Shaw. Given Boston’s recent third base issues, it’s safe to say trader Dave Dombrowski lost this deal as Shaw would be a huge upgrade over the incumbent options at the hot corner.

Red Sox fans will have to hope Thornburg can replicate his success from the 2016 season once he returns from injury. Over 67 innings with the Brewers, he tossed a 2.15 ERA to go along with an impressive strikeout rate (12.1 K/9 innings). Boston will have Thornburg under contract for three more seasons via arbitration.

The good news for Boston is that premium set up man Carson Smith looks like he is close to returning. Smith underwent Tommy John surgery in 2016 and has yet to pitch for Boston this season. In his three-year career, Smith has made 82 appearances owning a lifetime 2.00 ERA. Smith’s inevitable return likely lessons the blow of the season ending injury to Tyler Thornburg.

Next: MLB trade rumors: 5 third baseman Red Sox should target

In reality, the Red Sox bullpen has been excellent despite missing Thornburg and Smith for the season. There really isn’t any reason to trade for a reliever at this point. Joe Kelly is having a career year hurling around a 1.27 ERA and the league’s highest fastball velcity on the season (102.2 MPH). Matt Barnes and Heath Hembree have also been really reliable. Of course, don’t forget about Craig Kimbrel to close the door who is having a career season (0.91 ERA over 29.2 innings). Don’t panic Red Sox fans, Boston’s bullpen will be just fine.

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