Red Sox make much-needed rotation move after latest skid

The Boston Red Sox are changing up their pitching rotation by sending Martin Perez to the bullpen after their latest rough stretch.

The Red Sox are in freefall, having lost seven of their last nine games. Manager Alex Cora is finally making a change to address the skid.

On Friday, Cora announced that pitcher Martin Perez will move to the bullpen. Tanner Houck is expected to replace him in the rotation.

This season, Perez has an ERA of 4.77, which is still better than Garrett Richards and Eduardo Rodriquez. However, his recent form has been abysmal.

The Red Sox are demoting Martin Perez for Tanner Houck

On Wednesday, Perez lasted just 1.1 innings against the Tigers, giving up five hits and three runs. His ERA in his last five starts is 8.53. His record in that span is 0-4.

Boston will hope Houck can help settle things down for their rotation. The 25-year-old has an ERA of 2.45 in six appearances this year. Most recently, he pitched four innings with seven strikeouts and one run conceded on July 28 against the Blue Jays.

Something had to change for the Red Sox. This is the move that makes sense. The biggest question is why it didn’t come sooner.