MLB rumors: Braves sweep could force Cohen’s hand, Didi is back, Red Sox call-up, more
By Josh Wilson
Red Sox make a move before Yankees game on Friday
The Boston Red Sox selected the contract of left-handed reliever Joe Jacques before their Friday series kick-off against the New York Yankees, first reported by Joel Sherman.
Source: Lefty reliever Joe Jacques -- Red Bank HS in NJ and Manhattan College alum -- is being called up by the Red Sox to join their bullpen prior to tonight's series opener at Yankee Stadium. He was a minor league Rule 5 selection away from the Pirates last year.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) June 9, 2023
Jacques has appeared in 23 games this year at AAA Worcester and has a 3.58 ERA and 1.301 WHIP. As Sherman points out, he was a Rule 5 selection away from Pittsburgh.
MLB Trade Rumors points out that the Red Sox need to make a corresponding move to fit him on the roster and Alex Speier speculated that currently-injured Bryan Mata could be put on the 60-day IL since he isn’t conceivably close to a return.
Jacques has been bouncing around the minor leagues since 2014 with two seasons at AA and three at AAA. He has not made an MLB appearance yet and could do so for the first time in front of a hostile rival crowd in the Bronx.
With a 4.07 ERA, the Red Sox relievers are 19th in the league and eighth-worst in field-independent pitching. As a whole, the Red Sox have the fifth-worst pitching in terms of ERA.