Red Sox send scuffling reliever to AAA: ‘He’s better than what we saw’

The Red Sox have optioned reliever Greg Weissert to Triple-A Worcester ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Mariners at Fenway Park.

Weissert finished with a 4.24 ERA and a 1.436 WHIP, accumulating 47 strikeouts over 46⅔ innings pitched.

“Despite having a strong slider, he wasn’t generating swings and misses,” remarked manager Alex Cora. “He struggled to get ahead in counts. He threw strikes, but there are several areas that need adjustment. This isn’t just about him going down to Triple A to dominate hitters; it’s about refining his slider.”

Opponents have hit .333 against Weissert’s slider this season, with a .778 slugging percentage — the highest among all his pitches. He recorded only an 8 percent whiff rate on that pitch, the lowest in his repertoire. Although his slider averaged 6.6 inches of horizontal break, slightly above average, his overall contact percentage across all pitches hovers around 80 percent, exceeding the league average.

The Red Sox Greg Weissert :

“It was a productive discussion with [pitching coach Andrew Bailey] and [chief baseball officer Craig Breslow]. They presented the information to him, and he knows he can do better. His fastball and slider are solid, so we’ll focus on a few adjustments, and he’ll be back whenever we feel he can contribute,” Cora added.

Acquired from the Yankees in the Alex Verdugo trade last offseason, Weissert was anticipated to make a significant impact, viewed as an upgrade over John Schreiber, who was traded to the Royals during spring training. The Red Sox gave Weissert opportunities to correct his form this month, but over 10 appearances spanning 11⅔ innings, he managed only a 6.17 ERA, with opponents batting .302 against him.

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“He’s going to be a part of this,” said Cora. “We know he’s capable of more. Given how the season has unfolded, it was challenging for me to find the right role for him. He’s not a two-inning pitcher, nor is he suited to come in during a game where we’re up by seven or down by seven. The reality is, with our bullpen situation, it was difficult to put him in high-leverage situations against righties. But he will return and contribute; he’s a talented player.”

To fill Weissert’s spot on the active roster, the Red Sox recalled right-hander Trey Wingenter from Worcester. Wingenter boasts a 3.03 ERA in 38⅔ innings pitched in Triple A this year.

Casas Set to Begin Rehab Assignment

Triston Casas (rib cage strain) is on track to start his rehab assignment Tuesday with Worcester. He hit off the pitching machine at Fenway on Monday. Cora noted that Casas has made rapid progress since the All-Star break. The team anticipates that he will need ample time in Worcester before rejoining the parent club. “There’s a lot that goes into this, including check swings and in-game scenarios that can’t be practiced. But he feels comfortable and ready to let loose,” Cora stated. Casas will play first base on Tuesday.

Additionally, Vaughn Grissom (hamstring strain) was at the ballpark and participated in batting practice on the field. He is set to resume his rehab assignment Tuesday. Cora indicated that the second baseman has regained strength and his normal weight after recovering from a stomach bug earlier this season.